printer's device of Andro Hart 
A ♡  
DOOMSDAY, OR, THE GREAT DAY OF THE LORDS JUDGEMENT.  
BY Sr. WILLIAM ALEXANDER KNIGHT.   printer's device of Andro Hart 
AH  
Printed by ANDRO HART, and are to be sold at his shop on the northside of the high Street, a little beneath the Cross. ANNO DOM 1614   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE ROBERT Viscount Rochester, Knight of the most noble order of the Garter, and one of his Majesty's most honourable privy Council.  
THAT the World may have some public testimony of that private love, which your Virtues long since had begotten with my thoughts (my Lord) this is a small spark flown from a great Flame towards you, whose glory is, that you only of all the subjects of this Isle have the Altar of your honour adorned with offerings from both the Nations in this kind, as if your Worth were the Centre where both our affections should meet, making an union in minds, a course both worthy of the credit of your place, and of your estimation with the world. Who more great with Augustus then Maecenas? none so great with the Muses. This subject may be thought by some of too melancholic a Nature for your youth, and state, but yet is unnecessary for neither, it may serve for that Macedonians Page who used every Morning to call to him, PHILIP thou must die, though not so importunately urging, yet when looked on, it is a dumb remembrer both of death, & judgement, of all what was in the World, & of what is likely to be when it ends: But long may you live, your Fortune still striving to equal your Worth, your Worth to exceed your Fortune, and the World to admire both, both being ripe before your years. This for the present is but [like unripe fruits] an imperfect piece wrested from a mind many ways distracted, & involued in doubtful designs, the success of some whereof, I hope hereafter having purchased me fame from the World (who for that effect will leave no way of worth within the compass of my power unattempted) may make me the more able to communicate it with another, for none can give what he hath not himself, always I purpose when my mind is more calm to end this Work, but never that desire which I have  
To serve your Honour. S. WILLIAM ALEXANDER.   

To. Sr. W. A.  
LIKE Sophocles (the hearers in a trance)  
With Crimson Cothurne, on a stately Stage,  
If thou march forth (where all with pomp doth glance)  
To move the monarchs of the World's first Age:  
Or if like Phoebus thou thyself advance,  
All bright with sacred Flames, known by heavens Badge,  
To make a Day, of Days which scorns the Rage,  
Whilst when they end it what should come doth Scance.  
Thy Phoenix-Muse still winged with Wonders flies,  
Praise of our Brooks, Stain to old Pindus' Springs,  
And who thee follow would scarce with their Eyes  
Can reach the Sphere where thou most sweetly sings.  
Though stringed with Stars Heavens Orpheus harp enrolle,  
More worthy Thine to blaze about the Pole.  WILLIAM DRUMMOND.  

A DOOMSDAY, OR THE GREAT DAY OF the lords judgement.  
The first Hour.  
THE ARGUMENT  
GOD by his works demonstratively proved,  
His Providence impugning Atheism urged,  
The Devils from Heaven, from EDEN Man removed,  
Of guilty Guests the World by water purged,  
Who never sinned, to die for Sin behooved,  
Those who him scourged in God's great wrath are scourged,  
Some temporal Plagues and fearful judgements passed,  
Are cited bear as Figures of the last.  

1  
THou of whose Power (not reached by Reason's height)  
The Sea a Drop, we Earth a Mote may call:  
And for whose Trophies stately to the sight,  
The Azure Ark was reared (although too small)  
And from the Lamp of whose most glorious light  
The Sun (a spark) weak for weak eyes did fall,  
Breath thou a heavenly Fury in my breast:  
I sing the SABBATH of eternal rest.   

2  
Though All in all defined, by nought confined,  
O thou whose Feet the Clouds for Dust afford,  
Whose Voice the Thunder, and whose Breath the Wind,  
Whose Footstool Earth, Seat Heaven, Works of thy Word,  
Guards Hosts of Angels moving by thy Mind,  
Whose Weapons, Famine, Tempest, Pest and Sword,  
My cloudy Knowledge by thy Wisdom clear,  
And by my Weakness make thy Power appear.   

3  
lo ravished (LORD) with pleasure of thy Love,  
I feel my Soul inflamed with sacred Fires,  
Thy judgements, and thy Mercies, whilst I move,  
To publish to the World my Spirit aspires,  
LORD by thy Help this Enterprise approve,  
That the Success may second my Desires,  
Make Satan's race to tremble at my lives,  
And Thine rejoice while as thy Glory shines.   

4  
Ye blinded Souls, who even in Frailty trust,  
By moment's Pleasures earning endless Pain,  
Whilst charged with living Chains, vile Slaves to Lust,  
Of Earth, and earthly, till en-earthd again,  
Hear, hold, and weigh my Words, for once ye must  
The strange Effects of what I tell sustain,  
I go to Sing [or Thunder] in your Ears,  
A Heaven of comfort, or a Hell of fears.   

5  
All my transported Thoughts at random fly,  
As strayed to search that which they can not find;  
Whilst silent Wondering makes a settled Eye,  
A huge Amazement clouded hath my Mind,  
How some dare scorn (as if a fabulous Lie)  
That Those should rise whom Death hath once declined,  
And like to Beasts a beastly Life they lead,  
Who nought attend save Death when they are dead.   

6  
But yet what I admired not strange doth seem,  
When as I hear (O Heavens that such should breathe)  
That there be Men (if Men we may esteem  
Trunks which are void of Souls, Souls void of Faith)  
Who all this World the Work of Fortune deem,  
Not hoping Mercy, nor not fearing Wraith,  
There is no GOD Fools in their Hearts do say,  
Yet make their Hearts their Gods, and them obey.   

7  
The glassy Heavens which Glory doth array,  
Are Mirrors of GOD'S admirable Might,  
There, whence forth spreads the Night, forth springs the Day,  
He fixed the Fountains of this temporal light,  
Where stately Stars installed, some stand, some stray,  
All sparks of his great Power (though small) yet bright,  
By what none utter can, no, not conceive,  
All of GOD'S Glory Shadows may perceive.   

8  
What glorious Lights through crystal Lanterns glance,  
(As always burning with their Maker's love)  
Spheres keep one Music, they one Measure dance,  
Like Influence below, like Course above,  
And all by Order led, not drawn by Chance,  
With Majesty as still in Triumph move,  
And (prodigal of light) seem shouting thus,  
Look up all Souls, and gaze on GOD through us.   

9  
This ponderous Mass (though oft deformed) still fair,  
Great in our sight, yet then a Star more small,  
Is balanced as a Mote amidst the Air,  
None knows how hung, yet to no side doth fall,  
And yearly springs, grows ripe, fades, falls, rich, bare  
men's Mother first, still Mistress, yet their Thrall,  
It centres Heavens, heavens compass it, both breed  
Books where of GOD the gnorant may read,   

10  
What ebbs, flows, swells, and sinks, who constant keeps?  
Which from the Earth bursts in abundance out,  
(As she her Brood would wash, or for them weeps  
Who (having life) what dead things prove, do doubt)  
Who first did found the Doungeons of the Deeps?  
But one in all, over all, above, about,  
The Floods for our delight first calm were set,  
But storm and roar, since men did God forget.   

11  
Who parts the swelling Spouts which sift the Rain?  
Who rains the Winds, the Waters doth impale,?  
Who frowns in Tempests, smiles in calms again,  
And doth dispense the Treasures of the Hail?  
Whose Coach of Clouds doth drived by Winds remain?  
Whose Darts (dread Thunderbolts) makes men look pale?  
Even this to show those works themselves have won,  
As smoke doth fire, as shadows do the Sun.   

12  
God visibly invisible who reigns,  
Soul of all souls, whose Light each light reflects,  
All from confusion freed, and still retains,  
The greatest rules, yet not the least neglects,  
Foreknows the end of all which he ordains,  
His Will each Cause, each cause breeds fit Effects,  
Who did make all, all thus could only lead,  
None could make all, but who was never made.   

13  
Vile Dog of Truth who would the ground overthrow,  
Thou thee to mark thy darkened judgement lead,  
For (if thyself) thou must thy Maker know,  
Who all thy members providently made,  
Thy Feet tread Earth (to be contemned) laid low,  
To look on Heaven exalted was thy Head,  
That there thou might the stately Mansion see,  
From whence thou art, where thou should seek to be.   

14  
The World in Souls Gods Image clear may see,  
(Though Mirrors bruised when fallen, sparks dimmed far flown)  
They in strict Bounds, strict Bonds, kept captive be,  
Yet walk over all this All, and know, not known,  
Yea soar to Heaven (whiles from their Fetters free)  
And there see things which can not well be shown.  
None can conceive, all must admire his Might,  
Of whom each Atom gives so great a light.   

15  
When troubled Conscience reads accusing Scrolls  
Which witnessed are even by the breasts own brood,  
O what a Terror wounds remording Souls,  
Who Poison find what seemed a pleasant Food!  
A secret power their wandering thoughts controls,  
And damning Evil, an Author proves of Good,  
Thus here some Minds a Map of Hell do lend,  
To show what Horrors damned Souls attend.   

16  
To grant a God the Devil may men entyfe,  
By Magic when conjured such to upbraid,  
Who borrowing bodies Horror doth disguise,  
Lest some his ugliness might make afraid,  
Whiles in more monstrous Forms doth roaring rise,  
Till even (as charmed) the Charmer stands dismayed,  
He bellowing forth abominable lies,  
Blood in his Mouth, and Terror in his Eyes.   

17  
Who saves the World lest that it ruin'd be  
By him whose thoughts (as Arrows) aim at ill?  
Save One who is more great, more good than he,  
Who makes His Power repugnant to his Will?  
Of this with which oft Satan's words agree,  
He (forced) affords a Testimony still,  
From everything thus springs to GOD some praise  
Men, Angels, Devils, all must his Glory raise.   

18  
Though trusting more, yet some transgress as much  
As those who unto GOD draw never near,  
For what the Fitst not see, the Last not touch,  
Ones Eyes are blind, the others are not clear,  
Their Minds (false Mirrors) figure GOD, but such  
As Waters strait things crooked make appear,  
Their Faith is never firm, their Love not bright,  
As Ankers without holds, Fires without light.   

19  
Their judgements Fond by frailty being confined.  
Whose Soul (as Water) Vanity devours,  
Do feign in GOD what in themselves they find,  
And by their Weakness judge the POWER of POWERS,  
Then (the Unbounded bounding by their Mind)  
Would stain heavens Garden with terrestrial Flowers:  
Men still imagine Others as They are,  
And measure all things by Corruptions Square.   

20  
They think that GOD soft Pleasure doth affect,  
And jocund, Lofty, lulled in Ease, as Great  
Doth scorn, contemn, or at the least neglect  
Man's sickle, abject, and laborious State,  
That he disdains to guerdon or correct  
Man's good or evil Toys free from Love or Hate,  
That when Earth is his prospect from the Skies,  
As Men on Beasts, on Men he casts his Eyes.   

21  
No, high in Heaven from whence he binds, and frees,  
He in voluptuous Ease not wallowing lies,  
What Was, what Is, what Shall be, all he sees,  
Weighs every Work, each Heart in secret tries,  
All Registers then filling first Decrees,  
Gives, or abstracts his Grace, Cause, End, both spies,  
His Contemplation far transcends our reach,  
Yet what fits us to know, his Word doth teach,   

22  
Then to confirm what was affirmed before,  
That no GOD is, or GOD doth not regard  
Who do blaspheme (say fools) or who adore,  
This oft due Vengeance wants, and that Reward,  
Then Godly Men the Wicked prosper more,  
Who still presume, where they have oft despaired,  
Such (as they think) feel Pain, and dream but joy,  
Whilst they what can be wished do all enjoy.   

23  
The Sun in all like Comfort doth infuse,  
The Rain to all by equal portions parts,  
Heavens Treasures all alike both have, and use,  
Which GOD to all [as one to him] imparts,  
Each Minds free State like Passions do abuse,  
Each body's Bondage by like Sickness smarts,  
Thus all alive alike all Fortunes try,  
And as the Bad, even so the Best do die.   

24  
O Men most Simple, and yet more than Mad,  
Whose Souls your Hearts, whose Hearts Sin hath subdued  
Whilst good Men now are grieved, though you be glad,  
They weak (yet pure) you strong (yet stained and lewd)  
Huge are the odds betwixt the Best and Bad,  
Which darkly here, hence shall be clearly viewed,  
When of GOD'S Wrath the Wind sifts Souls at last,  
They shall abide, you vanish at a blast.   

25  
GOD'S Benefits though like to both designed,  
On outward Eyes whilst judgement doth depend,  
The inward Eyes a mighty difference find,  
To balance both whilst spiritual Thoughts ascend,  
The Gift is one, but not the Givers Mind,  
The Use is one, but not the users end,  
GOD so would clog the one, the other raise,  
Those take themselves to please, They Him to praise.   

26  
The Good oft evil, the Evil oft good may have,  
And by the contrary both may be cloyed,  
But as they are, all make what they receive,  
Not real of itself, but as employed,  
Those temporal Treasures Monuments do leave,  
As by a Blessing or a Curse convoyed,  
But this is sure, what ever GOD doth send,  
To Goodmen's good, to Euil-mens' evil doth tend.   

27  
GOD to cure Souls doth diverse balms apply,  
Whilst his intent still the event doth crown,  
Some are pressed down lest they should swell too high,  
Some are raised high lest that they should sink down,  
Some must have Wealth their Charity to try,  
Some Poverty their Patience to renown,  
He who made all, knows all, and as they need,  
Not as they wish, makes things with his succeed.   

28  
Since Worldly things GOD makes both sorts possess,  
Ingratitude, or Gratefulness to move,  
Let us seek greater things (though seeming less)  
Which to one sort doth only proper prove,  
That secret Grace whose power none can express,  
Whose fruits are Virtue, Zeal, Faith, Hope and Love:  
The Wickeds Treasures Godly men may gain,  
But theirs the wicked never can attain.   

29  
Ah why should Souls for senseless Riches care?  
They Mercy need, it is a way to Wrath,  
The first Man he was made, the rest borne bare,  
Those floating Treasures come, and go with Breath,  
Not mortal Goods, no, mortal Evils they are,  
Which (since being dead) can nought afford but Death,  
Their seed base Care, their fruit is burdenous Pain,  
A loss when found, oft lost the losers gain.   

30  
The greatest good which by such Wealth is sought  
Are flattering pleasures, which (whilst fawning) stain,  
A smoke, a shadow, froth, a dream, a thought,  
Light, sliding, frail, abusing, fond, all vain,  
Which shows (when staying) soon dissolved in nought,  
Do to the mind as Clouds to Skies remain,  
As of heavens Beauty's Clouds would make us doubt,  
Through mists of Minds the Spirit peeps faintly out.   

31  
That King (of men admired of GOD beloved)  
Whom such none did precede, nor yet succeed,  
Who Wisdoms Minion, virtues Pattern proved,  
He slowed what hight of Bliss this Earth could breed,  
Whose Mind and Fortune equal Marvels moved,  
Whilst Wealth and Wit, strived which should most exceed,  
Yet he (when quick) was crossed, and scorned when dead,  
By Happiness too much unhappy made.   

32  
Her store frank Nature prodigally spent,  
To make that Prince more than a Prince esteemed,  
Whilst Art to emulate her Mistress bend,  
Though borrowing strength from her, yet stronger seemed,  
He wanted nought which might a Mind content,  
What once he wished, or but to wish was deemed,  
For thousands Reason rested on his Will,  
Great fortunes find obsequious followers still.   

33  
With GOD the Father, he who did confer,  
And of the Son placed for a Pattern stood,  
He to God's Law did his vile Lust prefer,  
(His Lust as boundless as a raging flood)  
Who would have thought he could so grossly err,  
Even to serve Idols, scorn a GOD so good?  
The strong in Faith (when GOD abstracts his Grace)  
Like Men disarmed fall faintly from their Place.   

34  
GOD'S Way cannot be found, his Course not known,  
As Thoughts he did enlarge, or else restrain,  
Some were made Saints, who saints had once ou'rthrowne,  
Some highly Holy turned to be Profane,  
To mock men's judgement, magnify his Own,  
Whilst GOD by both did glorified remain,  
Let None presume, nor yet all Hope despise,  
Who stand, fear falls, who fall, expect to rise.   

35  
Through Hell to Heaven since our Redeemer past,  
Think that all Pleasure purchased is with Pain,  
But though first Death, none shall the second taste,  
Whom GOD predestinates with him to reign,  
Choosed, Called, made Holy, Just, and Glorious last,  
Twixt Heaven and Earth them holds a spiritual Chain,  
Whose fastening Faith, whose Links are all of Love  
Through Clouds by GOD'S own Hand stretched from above   

36  
Let not the godly Men Affliction fear,  
GOD wrestle may with some, but none ou'rthrowes  
Who gives the Burden, gives the Strength to bear,  
And greatest Service greatest Guerdon owes,  
Those who would reap, they at the first must care,  
GOD'S Love, his Faith, a good Man's Trouble shows,  
Those whom GOD tries, he gives them power to stand:  
He jacob tossed, and stayed, both by one Hand.   

37  
Since first being choosed ere made, much more ere proved,  
A Soul elected cannot lose though stray,  
And let none ask what so to do GOD moved,  
His Will his Word, his Word our Will should sway,  
He hated Esau, and he jacob loved,  
Hath not the Potter power to use the Clay?  
And though his Vessels could, why should they plead,  
If to Dishonour, or to Honour made?   

38  
Some dare tempt GOD presuming of his Grace,  
And proudly sin (as saved assured to be)  
Nor care not much what Course they do embrace,  
Since nought (they say) can change GOD'S first Decree,  
No, None find Heaven, but heavenly Ways first trace,  
(The Badge the Bearer shows, the Fruits the Tree)  
Who Safety doubt, do as you might deserve,  
Who trust, be thankful, both GOD better serve.   

39  
With Gifts fit for their State all are endued,  
Grace mercy still, Wrath justice doth convoy,  
GOD clears their Sight of whom he will be viewed,  
And blinds Them here, Whom hence he will destroy,  
Those whom he did elect, those he renewed,  
Those whom he leaves, They sin, and sin with joy,  
Such live like Beasts, but worse (when dead) remain,  
Beasts dead lose Sense, Death gives them Sense with Pain.   

40  
This froward Race that to Confusion rinnes,  
Through Selse-presumption, or destruct of GOD,  
Shall once disgorge the Surfeit of their Sins,  
Whilst what seems light, then prou's a burdenous Lod,  
With Them in judgement once when GOD begins  
To beat, to bruise them with an iron Rod,  
Whilst airy Pleasures leaden Anguish bring,  
Exhausted Honey leaves a bitter Sting,   

41  
Yet wicked Men whom foul Affections blind,  
Dare say (O now that Heaven not Brimstone rains!)  
Let us alive have what contents the Mind,  
And dread (when dead) brags of imagined Pains,  
The Debt we sweet, the Interest easy find,  
At least the Payment long deferred remains  
Who Shadows fear whilst they the Substance keep,  
But start at Dreams when they securely sleep.   

42  
Ah filthy Wretch thy Fancies higher lift,  
That doth encroach which then wouldst thus delay,  
Then Eagle, Arrow, Ship, or Wind more swift,  
Matched only by itself, Time slides away,  
Strait of all Souls GOD shall the secrets sift,  
And private thoughts with public Shouts display,  
Then when Times glass (not to be turned) is run,  
Their Grief still grows, whose joys were scarce begun▪   

43  
Whiles raised in haste when Souls from him rebel,  
By Inundations of impetuous Sin,  
The Floods of GOD'S deep Indignation swell,  
Till Torments Torrents violently run,  
Damnation's Mirrors, Models of the Hell,  
To show what hence not ends, may here begin,  
Then let me sing some of GOD'S judgements passed,  
That who them hear, may tremble at the last.   

44  
That glorious Angel, bearer of the light,  
The Morning's eye, the messenger of Day,  
Of all the Bands above esteemed most bright,  
(As is amongst the rest the Month of May)  
He whom those Gifts should have engadg'f of right,  
Did (swollen with pride) from him who gave them stray,  
And sought (a Traitor) to usurp his Seat,  
Yea worse (if worse may be) did prove ingrate.   

45  
His starry Tail the pompous Peacok streams,  
As of all Birds the baseness to disprove,  
So Lucifer insulted in his Beams,  
(As since Narcissus) with himself in love,  
And better Angels scorned (whilst drunk with dreams)  
If Envy not, at least Disdain to move,  
Those who grow proud, presuming of their State,  
They others do contemn, them others hate.   

46  
To Wickedness the Wicked soon accords,  
That strife which one devised, all did conclude,  
Their Armour Malice, Blasphemy their Swords,  
Their darts of Envy only aimed at Good:  
And when they met they used not many Words,  
Thoughts utter most when they are understood,  
By bodies gross when they no hindrance have  
The Spirits (being pure) may others minds perceive.   

47  
As where Uncleanness is the ravens repair,  
The spotted Band swarmed where he spent his Gall,  
Who fondly durst with GOD (foul fool) compare,  
And his Apostasy applauded all,  
Then to usurp heavens Throne, did bend their care,  
So hasting on the Horror of their fall,  
Whose traitorous Head made (like a Whore that strays)  
His burning Beauties prodigal of Rays.   

48  
Whilst vainly puffed up with preposterous Aims,  
He even from GOD his Treasure stryned to steal,  
The Angels good (Those not deserving Names)  
With sacred Ardour boldly did appeal,  
Their Eyes shot Lightning, and their Breath smoked Flames,  
As ravished with GOD'S love, burnt up with Zeal,  
All listed up their Flight, their Voice, their Hands,  
Then sang GOD'S Praise, rebuked rebellious Bands.   

49  
This Mutiny a monstrous Tumult bred,  
The place of Peace being plenished thus with Arms,  
Bright Michael forth, a glorious Squadron led,  
Which forced the Fiends to apprehend their harms,  
The Lights of Heaven looked pale, Clouds (thundering) shed,  
Winds (roaring Trumpets) bellowed loud Alarms:  
Think what was feigned to be at Phloegra bounds,  
Of this a shadow, Echoes but of sounds.   

50  
O damned Dog who in a happy State,  
Can not thyself, would not have Others bide,  
Sin, Death and Hell, thou opened first their Gate,  
Ambition's bellows, Fountain of all pride,  
Who Force in Heaven, in Paradise Deceat,  
On Earth used both, a Traitor always tried,  
O first the Ground, still guilty of all Evils,  
Since whom GOD Angels made, thou made them Devils.   

51  
When them He viewed (whose Power nought can express  
To whose least Nod the Greatest things are thrall)  
Although his Word, his Look, his Thought, or less,  
Might them have made Dust, Air, or what more small,  
Yet he (their pride though purposed to repress)  
Graced by a Blow, disdained to let them fall,  
But them reserved for more opprobrious stripes,  
As first of Sin, still of his judgements Types.   

52  
Those scorned Rivals GOD would judge, not fight,  
And then Themselves none else, more fit could find,  
Brands for his Rage, whilst flaming at the height,  
To clear their Knowledge it with Terror shined,  
Whose guilty Weakness matched with his pure Might  
Did frieze with Horror each amazed Mind,  
Their Conscience kindled who from GOD rebel,  
Hell first is placed in Them, than They in Hell.   

53  
That damned Crew GOD having spied a space,  
First lightning Looks, than thundered forth those Words,  
Woods for my Wrath, that have abused my Grace,  
As once of Light of Darkness now be LORDS  
Where Order is since forfeiting your place,  
Pass where Confusion every thing affords,  
And use your spite by pining, and being pined,  
Not Angels, no, Do EVIZS as Devils designed   

54  
If with Great things we Small things may compare,  
Or with their Maker things which have been made,  
As when the Falcon fierce sores through the Air,  
The little feathered Flocks foll down as dead,  
As Darkness flies, Heaven [like a Bride] looks fair,  
When Phoebus forth doth fiery Coursers lead  
Like some Bridegroom bend for his wedding place,  
Or like a mighty Man to run his race.   

55  
Even so (as Lightning flashing from the Sky  
Doth die as it descends, gone with a glance)  
More fast than follow could a Thought, or Eye,  
heavens banished Rebels fell down in a trance,  
Then abject Runnagats over all did fly,  
As seeking out some place to hide their Chance,  
O what a deadly Storm did then begin,  
When Heaven reigned Devils to drown the World with Sin!   

56  
That Forge of Fraud, Evils Centre, Sphere of Pride,  
From Bliss above whom GOD'S own Breath had blown,  
He who his Strength in Heaven in vain had tried,  
(As Dogs bite stones for him who hath them thrown)  
GOD'S Image did pursue in Adam spied,  
And did despite his state, despise his own.  
It never ended yet which then began,  
His Hate towards GOD▪ his Envy unto man..   

57  
E'er tainted first with that twice fatal Crime,  
Then Adam lived more blest than can be thought,  
Babe, Infant, Child, Youth, Man, all at one time,  
Formed in perfection, having need of nought,  
To Paradise preferred from abject slime,  
A grain of Earth to rule it all was brought,  
Him to content whilst all things did contend,  
GOD walked and talked with him as with his Friend.   

58  
Then of his pleasures to heap up the store,  
GOD Eva formed adorned with Beauties rare,  
Such as none since a Woman did decore,  
Think what it is to be perfectly fair,  
And then imagine her, even much, then more,  
She principal, the rest but Pictures are.  
No height of words can her Perfections hit,  
The Work was matchless as the Workman's Wit.   

59  
The Worlds first Father what huge joys did fill,  
Whilst Prince of Paradise from trouble free,  
The fairest Creature entertained him still,  
No Rival was, he could not jealous be,  
Being only wretched in having all his Will,  
And yet discharged the tasting of one Tree!  
Let one have all things good abstract some Toy,  
That Want more grieves, than all he hath gives joy..   

60  
Through Eden's Garden stately Eva strayed,  
Where beauteous Flowers her Beauties back reglanced,  
By Nature's self, and not by Art arrayed,  
Which pure (not blushing) boldly were advanced,  
With dangling Hairs the wanton Zephyrs played,  
And in rich Rings their floating Gold enhanced,  
All things concurred which pleasure could incite,  
So that she seemed the Centre of Delight.   

61  
Than could she not well think, who now can tell  
What banqueted her sight with objects rare,  
Birds strived for her whose Songs should most excel,  
The odoriferous Flowers perfumed the Air,  
Yet did her Breath of all most sweetly smell,  
Not then distempered with intemperate fair,  
No mixtures strange composed corrupting food,  
All naturally was sweet, all simply good.   

62  
But ah when she the Apples fair did spy,  
Which (since reserved) were thought to be the best,  
Their preciousness supposed inflamed to try,  
By being discharged, she looked where they did rest,  
Luxuriously abandoned to the Eye,  
Swollen, languishing (like those upon her Breast)  
Ah Curiousness first Cause of all our ill,  
And yet the Plague which most torments us still!   

63  
On them she doubtful earnestly did gaise,  
The Hand being oft advanced, and oft drawn back,  
Her State and Beauty entering thus to praise  
Whilst subtle Satan in a Serpent spoke,  
Your State is high, you may it higher raise,  
And may (as Gods) yourselves Immortal make.  
This precious Fruit GOD you forbids to eat,  
Lest knowing Good and Evil, you match his State.   

64  
Those fatal Fruits which poisoned were with Sin,  
She having tasted, made her Husband prove,  
What could not Words of such a Siren win?  
O Woe to Man that Woman thus can move!  
He Him to hide [his Falls first Course] did rinne,  
Whom Knowledge now had learned to loath and love,  
Death from that Tree did shoot through Shadows dark,  
His Rest an Apple, Beauty was his Mark.   

65  
Thus Good and Evil they learned to know by this,  
But Ah the Good was gone, the Evil to be,  
When They so monstrously had done amiss  
They Clothing sought (poor Shift from Shame to free)  
Lo the first Fruits of Mortals Knowledge is,  
Their Nakedness, and Misery to see:  
Thus Curiousness to Knowledge is the Guide,  
And it to Misery, all Toils when tried.   

66  
Mark adam's answer when his Maker craved  
If that his Will had been by him transgressed,  
The Woman LORD whom I from thee received,  
She made me eat, as who my Soul possessed,  
The Woman said the Serpent me deceived.  
Both burdened Others, None the Fault confessed:  
Which Custom still their faulty Race doth use,  
All first do rinne to hide, next to excuse.   

67  
But he who tries the Reins, and views the heart,  
As through the Clouds doth through frail Bodies see,  
And is not mocked by men's ridiculous Art,  
By which their Crimes made more, more odious be,  
Who proudly sin, they must submissly smart,  
Lo GOD crau's count of what he did decree,  
And those who joined in Sin, are punished all,  
All Adam's Partners crushed were with his Fall.   

68  
GOD thus first damned the Fountain of deceit,  
O most accursed of all the Beasts which breed,  
Still wallowing in the Dust (a loathsome state)  
Drawn on thy Belly basely shall thou feed,  
The Woman Thee, thou shall the Woman hate,  
Which Hatred still inherit shall her Seed,  
Whose fierce Effects both mutually shall feel,  
Whilst he shall break thy Head, thou bruise his Heel.   

69  
And Woman weak, whose Thoughts each Fancy blows,  
I will increase thy Grief, thy joys restrain,  
And since thy judgement doth depend on shows,  
Thou to thy Husband subject shall remain,  
And bringing forth thy Brood with bitter Throws,  
What was with Pleasure sown, shall reap with Pain,  
Those Beauties now which mustered are with Pride,  
In withered Wrinkles ruinous Age shall hide,   

70  
Fond Adam thou obeying thus thy Wife,  
What I commanded violate who durst,  
Cares shall exhaust thy Days, Pains end thy Life,  
Whilst for thy Cause the Earth becomes accursed,  
With Thorns and Thistles guerdoning thy Strife,  
Who sweeting for thy Food art like to burst,  
And look no more for Rest, for Toil thou must,  
Till whence thou came, thou be turned back to Dust,   

71  
By Angels armed barred from the pleasant Place,  
When wretched Adam's Pilgrimage was past,  
The Tree of Sin ou'rshaddowing all his Race,  
They from their minds all Love of GOD did cast,  
Them to reclaim who did contemn his Grace,  
Who weary was with striving at the last,  
Of all the World a Harvest made by Raine▪  
He did resolve to try new Seed again.   

72  
Yet since that Noah uprightly had lived,  
He and his Race stood safe on Horrors hight,  
And when all Creatures Ruin was contrived,  
They lived secure the fourtie-day-long Night:  
To make the World repent that good Man strived,  
His swelling Bulwark battering in their Sight,  
But with the Wicked nought can well succeed,  
In whom Persuasions Obstinacy breed.   

73  
As the World's sins ou'rflowed, GOD'S Wrath ou'rflamed,  
Which when raised high, down Floods of Vengeance pours,  
As Noah's Preaching oft times had proclaimed,  
Heavens threatening strait to drown the highest Tours,  
Clouds clustered Darkness, Lightnings Terror streamed,  
And rumbling Thunders ushered ugly showers,  
Whilst ravenous Tempests swallowed up the Light,  
Day dead for Fear brought forth abortive Night.   

74  
From Guests profane that Earth might be redeemed,  
The Lights of Heaven quenshed in their Lanterns lay,  
The Azure Vaults all but one Cistern seemed,  
Whilst (safe the Waters) All things did decay,  
The Fire drowned out, heavens all dissolved were deemed,  
Air Water grew, the Earth as washed away,  
By monstrous Storms whilst All things were ou'rturned,  
Then (safe GOD'S Wrath) in all the World nought burned.   

75  
Men to the Mountains did for Help repair,  
Whence them the Waves did violently chase,  
In Nature's Scorn came scallie Squadrouns their,  
The forests Guests inheriting their place,  
By too much Water, no, for lack of Air,  
All were confounded in a little Space,  
The Elements with Anguish we enjoy,  
All must nurse one, One thus may all destroy.   

76  
That vaulting Vault against the Storm did strive,  
Which all the Creatures of the World contained,  
And whyls through Depths, whyls through the Clouds did drive  
Not by the Compass, nor the Rudder reigned,  
No Port, no Land was, where it could arrive,  
Whilst Earth with Waters level all remained,  
The Waves (the World all else being hushed) at once  
Roared forth a Consort with men's dying Groans.   

77  
But when over all GOD'S Breath did Ruin blow,  
The Ark with others Sin from Death did save,  
Him whom the raging Floods did not ou'rthrow,  
Who (of GOD'S judgements judge) did all perceive,  
A little Liquor did at last ou'rthrow,  
Which to his Son to mock Occasion gave,  
Thus Drunkenness disdainful scorn doth breed,  
A fertile Vice which Others still succeed.   

78  
As the first World did first by Pride offend.  
Whose burning Rage to such a height did win,  
That it to quench, GOD did the Waters bend,  
O Drunkenness the second World's first sin,  
The course of Vice that Element must end,  
Which is opposed to it which did begin,  
In every thing GOD'S justice we may spy,  
As Floods drowned Pride, Flames Drunkenness must dry.   

79  
When Men again to fill the World did wear,  
Strait in their Souls did Satan raise his Throne,  
O what a Burden Nature dost thou bear!  
Since that to Sin and Live, seem both but one!  
Men Babel's Towers against the Stars did rear,  
Since like deserving, fearing what was gone,  
As though that GOD could but one Plague command,  
(Ah Fools) what Strength against his Strength can stand?   

80  
Whilst fond They proud weakness did bewray,  
(Who can the Depths of His high judgements sound)  
By making their own Tongues their Hearts betray  
Those Titans strait the thunderer did confound,  
Here diverse Tongues the Work of Men did stay,  
Which afterwards the Work of GOD did ground▪  
The Mind (not means) effectual doth remain,  
What helped Apostles, hindered the Profane.   

81  
When purposed to dissolve quick Clouds of Dust,  
GOD'S Wrath (as stubble) Sinners doth devour,  
That Town to sack which had not ten Men just  
He Brimstone reigned, (O most prodigious Shower!)  
Their Bodies burned, whose Souls were burned with Lust,  
What fair, was ugly, what was sweet, grew sour:  
Yet of that Fire Lot scaped the great Deluge  
GOD'S holy Mountain is a sure Refuge.   

82  
I reckon not the ruin of those States  
Which being but Strangers to the ground of Grace,  
Were carried headlong with their own Conceits,  
And even (though brightly) blindly ran their Race,  
GOD'S firm Decrees, which fondly they called Fates,  
Did bound their Glory in a little Space,  
Whilst Tempests huge tossed their tumultuous Minds,  
Like Reeds by Rivers wavering with all Winds.   

83  
Such raised not for their good but for GOD'S ends  
When bend his own to punish or support  
Do (as his Arrows) hit but where he tends,  
Else of themselves their power doth nought import,  
When he his spotted Flock to purge intends,  
They are but Tools used in a servile sort.  
To fan, or cleanse as Fans, or Besoms they  
Which when the Work is done, are thrown away.   

84  
Proud Ashur first did daunt all other Soils,  
Till barbarous Persia did become her Head,  
The Greeks' did glory in the Persians spoils,  
Whose Prince at last Rome did in Triumph lead,  
Rome ravishing the Earth bred bloody Broils,  
Yet was by whom she scorned a Widow made,  
The World a Tennis-court, the Rackets Fates,  
Great Kings are Balls, when GOD will toss their States.   

85  
To them whom GOD to do Great things doth choose,  
He generous Minds and noble Thoughts imparts,  
And doth in them all Qualities infuse,  
That are required to act Heroic parts,  
Of Matters base, then making others muse,  
He breaks their spirits, and vilifies their Hearts,  
As Greatness still a gallant Mind precedes,  
A staggering Courage Fortune's fall succeeds.   

86  
The glancing Glory dazzled every Eye  
Of Greece and Rome, made all the Muse's song,  
On both the Wings of Worth which forth did fly,  
By Valour raised, borne up on learning long,  
But now both base in abject Bondage lie,  
Whose Brood proves now as Faint, as once thought Strong,  
That with their empires made their Enemy's Spoils,  
Their Spirits seem too transferred to foreign Soils.   

87  
For Nations once which strangers were to Fame,  
On whom (as Monsters) Civil Lands did gaise,  
Those who in scorn did them Barbarians name,  
Do now surpass in all which Merits praise,  
Thus Glories Throne is made the Seat of Shame,  
Who were obscure do Honour highest raise,  
Nought constant is below, no, not true Worth,  
It melted South, and freezes in the North.   

88  
What Heart not quakes when as it doth record  
The Vengeance huge inflicted whiles below?  
Not only Gentiles thus being then abhorred,  
High indignation justly did ou'rthrow  
That Heritage long laboured by the LORD,  
Which as his Portion he would only owe,  
As loathed for Sin, or for Repentance loved,  
GOD'S Minion whiles, a Stranger's Slave whiles proved.   

89  
By monstrous Plagues GOD did his power express,  
In Nilus' Bounds which yet admired remains,  
The subtle Sorcerers forcing to confess  
That his own Finger pointed out their pains,  
The Seas retired would not his Will transgress,  
Till Squadrons marched upon their Virgin Plains,  
He gloriously triumphed o'er pharao's Host,  
What Israel saved, that the Egyptians lost.   

90  
GOD Wonders made not strange to jacob's brood,  
When their great journey boldly was begun,  
Over them a Cloud by Day, by Night Fire stood,  
A guide, a guard, a shadow, and a Sun,  
Rocks vomited a Flood, Heavens reigned down Food,  
Canaan was miraculously won,  
Their Arms did Armies spoil, huge Giants kill,  
Weak blasts breathed walls, the Sun (as charmed) stood still.   

91  
But who can think and trust, trust not admire,  
That those Ingrate to such a GOD could prove,  
Who oft had seen (above their own Desire)  
By Wonders Power, by Benefits his Love?  
Yet They provoked the Holy One to Ire,  
And did the Mighties Indignation move,  
Till as abhorred the Land did spew Them forth,  
And Jordan's Glory graced Euphrates Worth.   

92  
That Realm the World's first Froth, and now the Lees,  
Of which for Israel, Angels Hosts had slain,  
The Lord transplanting Men (as Men do Trees)  
It Israel made a Captive to remain,  
The stately Temple nought from ruin frees,  
Whose sacred Vessels Ethnics did profane,  
Yet all turned back by a repenting Faith,  
Sole Mortals Tears quench the Immortals Wrath.   

93  
And yet of all the Works which GOD hath wrought,  
None more to stray Opinions course permits,  
Then our Salvation offered, urged, not sought,  
At which who highest aims the Truth worst hits,  
What was contemned, a pretions' Treasure bought,  
A Mystery surmounting Vulgar Wits,  
The Worker, not the Work, must move our Minds,  
Celestial Secrets, Faith (not Reason) finds.   

94  
O who could look for Glory from the Dust?  
Or for a Saviour fettered in the Grave?  
The Power which wrought it must give Power to trust,  
This judgetnent else all judgements will deceive.  
O justice merciful, O Mercy just!  
He lost his best Beloved his Foes to save,  
And even to suffer, suffer did his Son,  
The Victory over Hell is hardly won.   

95  
The Word was Flesh, the Godhead dwelled with Men,  
Invisible, yet subject to the Sight,  
He whom no Bounds could bond, was bounded then,  
Whilst earthly Darkness clouded heavenly Light,  
Birds had their Nests, and every Beast a Den,  
Yet had he nought who did owe All of right,  
No Kind of Thing the wicked World could move,  
Not Wonders done below, Words from above.   

96  
Those Wonders than which sacred Writes record,  
Did Some convert, A Multitude amaze,  
What did not GOD'S own Word do by a Word?  
Lame ran. Deaf heard, Dumb spoke, Devils fled, Dead raise,  
Of servants Servant whilst of Lords the LORD,  
Did seek but his own Pain, Man's Good, GOD'S Praise,  
To marry Heaven with Earth He first began,  
GOD without Mother, without Father man..   

97  
Who never did begin, He would begin,  
That Lifes chief Fountain might of Life be reaved,  
The Innocent would bear the Weight of Sin,  
That by his Sufferings Sinners might be saved,  
Yet that which GOD must give, and none can win,  
(Though offered freely) many not received,  
Whilst on a Tree CHRIST gained (when tortured most,)  
What by a Tree for Pleasure Adam lost.   

98  
The Worlds great judge was judged, and Worldlings stood,  
Even glorious Glory glorying to disgrace,  
They damned as Evil the Author of all Good,  
(Though Death of Death) who unto Death gave Place,  
Ah for our Ransom offering up his Blood,  
Huge was the War he had ro make our Peace!  
The Heir of Heaven deigned to descend to Hell,  
That in the Heaven Hell-worthy Men might dwell.   

99  
The Father saw the Son surcharged with Woe,  
Yet would to Calm his Grief no Favour show,  
For Man could not refound, nor GOD forego,  
That Debt which the first Man did justly owe,  
CHRIST as a GOD could not have suffered so,  
Nor have as Man prevailed, but both below,  
He Men most graced when Men him most disgraced,  
justice and Mercy mutually embraced.   

100  
When GOD confirmed with many fearful Wonder,  
The great Work which was wrought for them he loved,  
Heaven clad with Darkness mourned, Earth sobbed asunder,  
Thus Creatures wanting Sense, were highly moved,  
Who should have had, had none, nor could not ponder  
What did import the Anguish which he proved,  
But of his Torments strange which did abound,  
Ah Man's Ingratitude did deepest wound.   

101  
O wicked offspring of a Godly Sire,  
Who saw the Saviour of the World arise,  
That which your Fathers did so oft desire,  
Yet could not get that which you did despise,  
Who Mercy mocked, prepare yourselves for Ire,  
He lives, he lives whose Death you did devise,  
His Blood (not spent in vain) must wash or drown,  
Those whom it cannot cleanse, it shall sink down.   

102  
To rest on them and Theirs Jews who did cry  
For CHRIST'S contemned Blood, had what they sought,  
Then Blood no Burden with more Weight doth lie,  
Even as they his, so was their Ou'rthrow wrought,  
They by the Roman Power did make Him die,  
And them the Roman Power to Ruin brought,  
Whilst for their Cause GOD every Thing had cursed  
Rome's mildest Emperor proved for them the Worst.   

103  
jerusalem the Fair, JEHOV AHS' Love,  
Repudiated by disdainful Wrath,  
A bastard Race did bear, whom Nought could move,  
A vile adulteress violating Faith,  
Then did the World's Delight her Terror prove,  
And Harms performed foretold by sacred Breath,  
Nought rested where the stately City stood,  
Save Heaps of Horror raised of Dust and Blood.   

104  
But murdering Saints in Wickedness grown bold,  
That Town which long was drunk, last drowned with Blood,  
That Town by which who bought the World was sold,  
Sold with Disgrace beheld her scorned Brood,  
Them loved by GOD Men did in Honour hold,  
And loathed by GOD, with them in Horror stood,  
Then jews whom GOD high raised, and low doth bow,  
What Name more glorious once, more odious now?   

105  
When of Salvation joyful News were spread,  
With spiritual Grace all Nations to bedew,  
Whilst famished Souls that sacred Nectar fed,  
The LORD strange judgements Millions made to view,  
And those who first fierce Persecutions bred,  
A jealous GOD with Vengeance did pursue,  
His Wrath against Themselves, against their Foes,  
Is quenshed, is kindled by his servants Woes.   

106  
By him who first 'gainst CHRIST did Ensigns pitch,  
His Brother, Mother, Wife, and Self was slain,  
The Great Apostate wounded in a Ditch,  
Did grant with Grief the Galileans reign,  
Of him whose Errors did whole Realms bewitch,  
The Death most vile did viler Doctrine stain,  
A monstrous Death doth monstrous Lives attend,  
And what All is, is judged by the End,   

107  
He who made Hymen's Torch drop Blood and Tears.  
The Nation most Human being Inhuman,  
Did blood [when dead] at Mouth, Nose, Eyes, and Ears,  
As vomiting his Surfeit so again,  
In Crime and Crown his second fraught with Fears,  
The bloody Band by mutual Blows was slain,  
The King, the Duke, the Friars devised that Ill,  
The King the Dake, the Friars the King did kill.   

108  
Whose Sight is so eclipsed which now not sees,  
In every Kingdom, Province, Town, and Race,  
On Princes, Subjects, Men of all Degrees,  
What weighty judgement Sinners Steps do trace,  
Which not the Crown, more than the Cottage frees?  
The Wicked Man (says GOD) shall have no peace.  
A Countenance calm, may mask a stormy Mind,  
But Guiltiness no perfect Ease can find.   

109  
Those temporal Plagues are but small Smokes of Ire,  
To breach a Breast which is not armed with Faith,  
And are when GOD due Vengeance doth require,  
Of Indignation Drops, weak Sparks of Wraith,  
As Lightning is to Hell's eternal Fire,  
Or to a Tempest huge, a little Breath:  
So are all those of this which I proclaim,  
A Puffed, a Glance, a Shadow, or a Dream,   

110  
As weighed by GOD still balanced hangs this Round,  
Which Sin (grown heavy) now quite down ward bears  
Exhausted Courage Horror shall confound,  
Till Hopes high Towers rest all ou'rflowed with Fears,  
All shall together fall, as by one Wound,  
Not having Time to fly, no, not for Tears,  
On Day as Night, as on the Wearied Sleep,  
Death steals on Life, and judgements way doth sweep.   

111  
All clearly see who Lives short Race do rinne,  
The last Decree though being suspended yet,  
That fatal Doom inflicted first for Sin,  
Though not attended, doth not doubted hit,  
And of all Souls the Process doth begin,  
For strait when Death arrests, the judge doth sit,  
For this first Charge all fortify the Mind,  
As Death us leaves, so judgement shall us find.   

112  
Death each Man daily sees, but none foresees,  
The Wage of Sin, the Jubilee of Cares,  
First judgement threatened, base Corruptions Lees,  
Inheritance which serves all Adam's Heirs,  
Just only Equaller of all Degrees,  
The Charge enjoined for no Respect which spaires,  
What Agues, Wounds, Thoughts, Pains, all breathing Breath,  
Are Heralds, Sergeants, Ushers, Posts of Death.   

113  
Death Doors to enter at, and Darts to wound,  
Hath as the Heaven hath Stars, or Sea hath Sands,  
What though not sick, not stabbed, not choked, burnt, drowned.  
Age matchless Enemy all at last commands,  
O what Designs this Emperor Pale doth bound,  
Built of bare Bones, whose Arch Triumphal stands!  
Ah for Ones Error all the World hath wept,  
The Golden Fruit a leaden Dragon kept.   

114  
Then since sins Hangman, Nature's utter Foe,  
By whom true Life is found, Lives Shadow lost,  
A thousand Fancies interrupting so  
When least expected doth importune most,  
Haste, haste your reckonings all must pay and go,  
Guests of the World, poor Passengers who post,  
And let us strive (a Change being wisely made)  
To die alive, that we may live when dead.   

115  
All think whilst sound what Sickness may succeed,  
How in the Bed imprisoned ye may be,  
When every Object loathsomeness doth breed  
Within, without, that Soul, or Eyes can see,  
To trembling Nature, which still death doth dread,  
Grief paints out Horror in a high degree,  
The Body in the Bed Thoughts in it roll:  
The Conscience casting up a bitter scroll.   

116  
But when external Powers begin to fail,  
That neither Tongue can give, nor Ears receive,  
Friends [wretched Comforters] retired to wail,  
To agonize the soul alone do leave,  
Which Satan strait with Squadrons doth assail,  
Being bend to force whom first he did deceive,  
Who once entysed, then to accuse begins:  
To wakened Souls upbraiding buried Sins.   

117  
That fatal Conflict which all Flesh doth fear,  
By helps from Heaven being fought, past, and won,  
Whilst it to Heaven triumphing Angels bear,  
This mortal Race magnanimouslie run,  
As being ordained to deck the highest Sphere,  
The Soul shall shine more glorious than the Sun,  
Whilst clothed with Righteousness, a Priest, a King,  
Hell where thy Victory, Death where thy Sting?   

118  
O when to part GOD doth the Soul permit,  
Raised from her Shell a Pearl for Zion choosed,  
She recollects [accomplished ere she flit]  
Her Faculties amidst frail Flesh diffused,  
As judgement, Reason, Memory, and Wit,  
Being all refined, no more to be abused,  
Then parts in Triumph free from Earthly Toils,  
Yet longs perchance to gather up her Spoils.   

119  
Let all those Plagues [smokes of our Maker's Ire]  
Make all in time their inward State reform,  
Those Plagues of which, lo, even to sing I tire,  
Ah what do those who bear their ugly Form?  
Yet they but kindle are of endless Fire,  
And little drops which do forego a Storm,  
Look, look with Clouds heavens Bosom else doth swell,  
To blow the Wicked to the lowest Hell.    

The second Hour.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
THat threatened Time which must the World appall,  
Is (that all may amend) by Signs fore-shown,  
Wars rumoured are, the Gospel preached o'er All,  
Some Jews convert, the Antichrist is known:  
devils rage, Vice reigns, Zeal cools, Faith fails, Stars fall,  
All sorts of Plagues have the last Trumpet blown,  
And by prodigious Signs may plain appear,  
That of the Son of Man the Sign draws near.  

1  
THough thundering down those who transgress his Lawer▪  
And with Disdain his Bounty do abuse:  
As Adamants do Irne, Repentance draws  
The LORD to love Those whom he first did choose,  
A Space retired from the tempestuous Waves,  
The Port of Mercy must refresh my Muse,  
Whose venturous Flight all Loftiness must leave,  
And plainly sing what all Men should conceive.   

2  
The LORD delights not in a Sinners death,  
But Sheep which stray toils to recover still,  
To please a Son who had deserved his Wrath,  
His Calf (long fed) the Father strait did kill,  
Not for the best whose thoughts (swayed by his Breath)  
Had squaired his Actions only by his Will,  
His Calf, GOD'S Lamb, both feasted the Profane,  
His Best was grieved GOD'S only Son was slain.   

3  
Who can express, consider, or conceive,  
Our Maker's Mercy, our Redeemers Love,  
Or of that Spirit the Power which who receive,  
By sacred Ardour ravished are above,  
O, to Create, to Sanctify, to Save,  
Ingratitude to Gratefulness may move,  
Who weighs those Works (else damned were his State)  
Must [if no more] be grieved for being ingrate.   

4  
First ere by Ends Beginnings could be proved,  
Whilst Time nor Place, to limit nought attained,  
All wholly Holy, wholly to be loved,  
GOD in Himself, and All in him remained,  
Whilst both the Sun, and Sphere in which he moved,  
That which contained, and that which was contained,  
Truth lightened Light, All in Perfection stood,  
More high than Thoughts can reach, all GOD, all Good.   

5  
All this alone the LORD would not possess,  
But would have some who taste his Goodness might,  
Which by being given in no Degree proves less,  
What darker grows the Sun by giving Light?  
Not that his Bliss ou'rflowed, no, not beguesse,  
All was of Purpose providently right,  
His Glories Witnesses GOD Men did raise,  
That they might it admire, Him serve, and praise.   

6  
When GOD in Us no Kind of Good could see,  
Save that which first was from Himself to fall,  
Great was his Favour making Us to be,  
Even ere we were, much less deserved at all,  
What? since in us Affection must be free,  
Who dare presume to make our Maker's Thrall?  
He first us freely made, when nought, of Nought,  
When sold to Sin, with his own Blood us bought.   

7  
Though Some sometime inspired by GOD we see  
Do grateful, I, not meritorious Deeds,  
The Fruit, not Root of Mercies saving Tree,  
Which was CHRIST'S Cross whence all our Rest proceeds,  
As owing Most, they should most humble be,  
To Him whose Grace in them such Motions breeds,  
From whom for Good a Mind, and Means, they had,  
Where Others were abandoned to be Bad.   

8  
The LORD to those whose Souls produce his Seal,  
Good things doth give, as who them justly owes,  
Bound by his Promise, pleaded with true Zeal,  
Which all the Arguments of Wrath ou'rthrowes,  
Whilst they from it to Mercy do appeal,  
Which justifies all that Repentance shows:  
GOD Sins confessed with Grief, with joy forgives,  
That which Faith humbly seeks, Power freely gives.   

9  
He [who] when Pilgrims all their Trouble sees,  
The faithful Souls from Danger doth secure,  
And them from Fetters of Corruption frees,  
Grieved for the Grieves which Mortals must endure,  
But now for them (fulfilling first Decrees)  
He would true Rest perpetually procure,  
At that great Court which must determine All,  
Even till CHRIST rise as judge from adam's Fall.   

10  
Their Blood which Tyrants by evil Angels led,  
Like worthless Waters lavished on the Dust,  
From out the Altar cries, all that was shed  
From Abel till (and since) Zacharie the Just,  
To see the Wicked with Confusion clad,  
When judged by Him in whom they would not trust,  
The sorrow of his Saints doth move GOD much,  
No sweeter Incense than the Sighs of such.   

11  
GOD is not slack as Worldlings do suppose,  
But only patiented willing all to win,  
Time's Consummation quickly shall disclose  
The Period of Mortality, and Sin,  
And for the same his Servants to dispose,  
Else charged by Signs the Process doth begin,  
Signs which each Day upbraid us with the last,  
Few are to come, some present, many past.   

12  
What fatal Warnings do that Time presage,  
A due Attendance in the World to breed,  
(Though oftener now) some used in every Age,  
And some more monstrous strait the Day precede:  
Ah fly the Flames of that encroaching Rage,  
And arm against these Terrors which succeed,  
For whom the First not fears, the Last confounds,  
As whilst the Lightning shines, the Thunder wounds.   

13  
Whilst threatening Worldlings with the last Deluge,  
Old Noah Scorn acquired, but never Trust,  
Though building in their Sight his own Refuge,  
So were the People drunk with Pride and Lust,  
And ere the coming of the general judge,  
To damn the Bad, and justify the Just,  
Even when the Tokens come which CHRIST advised,  
As Noah's then, CHRIST'S Words are now despised.   

14  
Even as the Life's last Day to None was shown,  
That still attending Death all might live right,  
So that great judgements Day is kept unknown,  
To make us watch as CHRIST were still in Sight,  
Like Virgins wise with Oil still of our own,  
That when the Bridegroom comes, we want not Light,  
Live still as looking Death should us sur-prise,  
And go to Beds and Graves as we would rise.   

15  
O what great Wonder that so few are found,  
Whom those strange Signs make grieved, or glad appear!  
Though that Day haste which should their Soles confound,  
Or from Corruption make them ever clear:  
If holy Jerome thought he heard the Sound  
Of that dead Trumpet thundering in his Ear,  
What jealous Cares should in our Breasts be lodged,  
Since greater Sinners, nearer to be judged.   

16  
When Will to Man, or rather Man to Will  
Was freely given, than Discord did begin,  
Though brother erst one did another kill,  
Of Those who first were borne Life's Race to rinne,  
Thus striving (as it seemed) who did most Ill,  
The Father fell, the Son did sink in Sin,  
Love Adam lost, but Cain kindled Wraith,  
The Author breeding, Actor bringing Death.   

17  
Thus at the first Contentious Worldlings jarred,  
Of all the World when only two were Heirs,  
And when that Nations were, than Nations warred,  
Oft sowing Hopes and reaping but Despairs,  
Base Avarice, Pride, and Ambition marred  
All Concord first, and framed Death diverse Snares:  
Though as a Wind soon blasted is our Breath,  
We furnish Feathers for the Wings of Death.   

18  
Though as the sacred Register records,  
Strife is (still boiling mortal men's Desires)  
The thing most fertile which the World affords,  
Of which each little Spark may breed great Fires,  
Yet that portentous War which CHRIST'S own Words  
Cites as a Sign when judgement Earth requires,  
It is not that which vain Ambition bends,  
By partial Passions raised for private Ends.   

19  
Such was the War which in each Age was moved,  
When by preposterous Cares from rest restrained,  
Bend to be more than Men, Men Monsters proved,  
Whilst others Lords, who their own Slaves remained,  
For whilst advancement vain they fondly loved,  
The Devil their Souls, whilst they but Bodies gained,  
So with their own disturbing every State,  
They bought Hell's Horrors at too high a Rate.   

20  
CHRIST came below, that Souls might be relieved,  
Not to breed Peace, but worse than civil Wars,  
Broils among Brethren, scarce to be believed,  
Even twixt the Son, and Sire engendering jars,  
GOD must be pleased who ever else be grieved  
The Gospel's growth no Tyrant's malice mars,  
As Egypt's Burdens Israel's Strength did crown,  
The Truth mounts most when Men would press it down.   

21  
Those Wars which come before that fatal Day,  
End things begun, and endless things begin,  
Are not used Broils which States with steel array,  
Whilst Worldlings would but Worldly Treasures win,  
No, even Religion must make Peace decay,  
And Godliness appear the Ground of Sin,  
Then let the World expect no Peace again,  
When sacred Causes breed Effects profane.   

22  
Such Wars have been, such some are yet to be,  
What must not once plague Adam's cursed Brood?  
Ah that the World so oft those flames did see,  
Which Zeal had kindled to be quenshed with Blood,  
Whilst disagreeing thoughts in deeds agree,  
Some bent for Spiritual, some for Temporal Good,  
Hell's Firebrands rage whilst Zeal doth weakly smoke,  
When Policy puts on Religions Cloakc.   

23  
All Nations once the gospels Light shall see,  
That Ignorance no just excuse may breed,  
Truth spreads in spite of Persecution free,  
The Blood of Martyrs is the Church's Seed,  
That it contemned, or they condemned may be,  
All on the Word their Souls may sometime feed.  
The Word by which All Help, or Harm must have,  
Those Knowledge damns, whom Conscience can not save.   

24  
When bent to mitigate his Father's Wrath,  
Man's mortal vail the Godhead did disguise,  
The World's Redeemer was engaged to Death,  
And raised Himself to show how We should rise,  
Those twelve whole Doctrine builded on his Breath,  
To bear his Yoke all Nations did entice,  
They Terrors first, and then did Comfort sound,  
For ere the Gospel heal, the Law must wound.   

25  
In simple Men who servile Trades had used,  
(The Wisest of the World are greatest Fools)  
The holy Ghost one Truth, all Tongues infused,  
And made them teach who never knew the Schools,  
Yea, with more power the Souls of Men they bruised,  
Then Rhetoric could do with golden rules,  
The Spirit (when GOD the Souls of Men converts)  
Doth move the Teacher's Tongues, the Hearers Hearts.   

26  
As Temporal Power near to the hottest Pole,  
At first being sprung, then spread in other parts,  
One State o'er all did to the Stars extol,  
By moral Virtues, and by Martial Arts,  
Till colder Climates did that Heat control,  
Both showing stronger Hands, and stouter Hearts,  
That Misery Relief, Plague's following Sin,  
Slaves Liberty, Lord's Bondage did begin.   

27  
The Light of Heaven first in the East did shine,  
Then ran the Course kept by the Earthly Light,  
And did [as Zeal in Realms] rise, and decline,  
Still giving Day to some, to others Night,  
The Faith of Men yet toiled it first to fine,  
And left no Land till loathed, not forced, no flight,  
The Gadarens in their Land did CHRIST confyne,  
Till to his presence they preferred their Swine.   

28  
Where are these Churches seven, those Lanterns seven,  
Once Asia's glory, graced by sacred Scrolls?  
With Monsters now, as then with Martyrs even,  
The Turk their Bodies, Satan rules their Souls,  
Lands then obscure are lifted up to Heaven,  
Whose Souls like Lynx's look, whilst theirs like Owls,  
Those whom the Word renowned, are known no more,  
Those know GOD best, who scarce knew Men before.   

29  
The Worlds chief State old Rome with Glory gained,  
Of which the loss her nephews shame did seal,  
The gospels Truth at Rome once taught remained,  
Yet from that purity her Heirs appeal,  
Thus temporal Power, and Spiritual both Rome stained  
Grown cold in Courage first, and last in Zeal,  
The Church first stood by Toils, whilst poor still pure,  
And strait whilst Rich being rend, fell when secure.   

30  
From offering Grace no Storm the Word can stay,  
Ere judgement come to those who will receive,  
In this last Age Time doth new Worlds bewray,  
That CHRIST a Church over all the Earth may have,  
His Righteousness shall barbarous realms array,  
If their first love more civil Lands will leave,  
To Europe may America succeed,  
GOD may of Stones raise up to Abram Seed.   

31  
The Gospel once being preached in every Place,  
To Lands of which our Fathers could not tell,  
And when the Gentiles all are drawn to Grace,  
Which in the new Jerusalem should dwell:  
Then shall the stubborn Jews that Truth embrace,  
From which with such Disdain they did rebel,  
Who first the Law, last shall the Gospel have,  
CHRIST whom he first did call, shall last receive.   

32  
When GOD would but be served by jacob's Brood  
(By his own Mercy, not their Merits moved,)  
The Gentiles did what to their Eyes seemed good,  
And Satan's Slaves the works of Darkness loved,  
They unto Idols offered up their Blood,  
Yea bowed to Beasts, than Beasts more beastly proved,  
Those whom GOD did not choose, a God did choose,  
And what they made did for their Maker use.   

33  
But when that only Soil too narrow seemed,  
To bound GOD'S Glory, or to bond his Grace,  
The Gentiles Souls from Satan he redeemed,  
And unto Shems did join of Japhets' Race,  
The bastard Bands as lawful were esteemed,  
The Strangers entered in the children's place,  
The Infidels grew glorious by their Faith,  
Whilst Mercies Minions Vessels were of Wrath.   

34  
That chosen Flock whom to Himself he drew,  
Who saw not jacob's fault, nor Israel's sin,  
When we regenered, they degenered grew,  
To lend us Light their Darkness did begin,  
Yea, worse than we when worst, GOD'S Saints they slew,  
And when that his vineyard they come to win,  
They first his Servants killed and then his Son,  
Nought grows more fast than Mischief when begun   

35  
Sons of the second Match whom CHRIST should crownè,  
Ah brag not you as Heritors of Grace,  
The natural Branches they were broken down,  
And We wild Olives planted in their Place,  
Fear, fear, lest Seas of Sins our Souls do drown,  
Shall He spare Us who spared not Abraham's Race,  
As they for lack of Faith, so may we fall,  
What springs in some, is rooted in us all.   

36  
Till ours be full though Israel's Light lies spent,  
Our Light shall once them to Salvation lead,  
Is GOD like Man that he should now repent,  
That Promise which to Abraham's Seed was made?  
For his great Harvest ere that CHRIST be bend,  
The jews shall have a Church, and Him their Head,  
Both jews and Gentiles once, one Church shall prove,  
We fear their Law, they shall our gospel love.   

37  
This Sign it seems might soon accomplished be,  
Were not where now remains that Race of Shems,  
The Gentiles Dregs, and Idols which they see,  
Makes them loath all, for what their Law condemns,  
To be baptised yet some of them agree,  
Whilst them their Mates, their Mates the World contemns,  
And why should we not seek to have them saved,  
Since first from them Salvation we received.   

38  
When the evangel most toiled Souls to win,  
Even then there was a Falling from the Faith,  
The ANTICHRIST his Kingdom did begin  
To poison Souls, yet ere the Day of Wrath  
Once shall Perditions Child, that MAN OF SIN  
Be to the World revealed, and plagued to Death.  
GOD may by Tyrants scourge his Church when grieved,  
Yet shall the Scourge be scourged, the Church relieved.   

39  
The ANTICHRIST did come with Power and Might,  
By Signs and Wonders to delude the Eyes,  
Thus Satan seems an Angel whiles of Light,  
That who the Truth contemned, may trust in Lies:  
And this with justice stands even in GOD'S Sight,  
That he in Darkness fall, the Light who flies,  
And O this is the uttermost of ill,  
When GOD doth give one o'er to his own Will!   

40  
This Adversary of CHRIST'S heavenly Word,  
He should himself extol by Satan's Wit,  
Over All that is called GOD or is adored,  
And of Iniquity no Means omit,  
Though worthy of the World to be abhorred,  
He in the CHURCH of GOD as GOD shall sit:  
This Hypocrite huge Mischief borne to breed,  
Should look like GOD, yet prove a Devil indeed.   

41  
This Mystery of Sin which GOD doth hate,  
Even in Paul's Time began, and since endured,  
Yet could not then be known, till from the Gate,  
That which then stopped, was razed, and it assured,  
The Roman Empire than it was so Great,  
That of less States the Luster it obscured,  
The Let which then remained, being once removed,  
This ANTICHRIST the next Aspirer proved,   

42  
That spiritual Plague which poisons many Lands,  
Is not the Turk nor Mahomet his Saint,  
Nor none who to cross CHRIST directly stands,  
He whom the Spirit takes such great Pain to paint,  
It must be one who in the Church commands,  
No Foe confessed, but a Professor faint,  
For if All did him know, None would him know,  
Feigned Friends, false Foes may whom they will ou'rthrow.   

43  
E'er that Day come which should the Just adorn,  
And shall discover every secret Thought,  
The ANTICHRIST whose Badge whole Lands have borne.  
The Prophet false which lying Wonders wrought,  
The Beast with the blasphemous Mouth, and Horn,  
Shall be revealed, and to Confusion brought,  
For Causes hide though GOD a Space spare some,  
Their judgements are the heavier when they come.   

44  
The shameless Whore which sits upon seven Hills  
Whose Sight lascivious riotously rolls,  
Whose Wine doth make Kings drunk, snares thousands will,  
The devils chief Bawd adulterating Souls,  
The Cup of Wrath that filthy Strumpet fills,  
Whose boundless Lust no Law, no Time controls,  
That stumbling Block by whom so many fell,  
Shall once burn here, and ever in the Hell.   

45  
The Part where now that Whore her Court doth hold,  
Vile Habylon, abominable Town,  
Where every thing, even Souls of Men are sold.  
Low in the Dust to lie shall be brought down,  
Her Nakedness all Nations shall behold,  
And burn that Body which their Souls did drown,  
Whore (as she sowed) so shall she reap huge Evils,  
Of the World's Mistress made a Den of Devils.   

46  
Fly faithful Christians from that Sea of Sin,  
Who hate the Whore, and the two horned Beast,  
Fly, fly in time, before their Grief begin,  
Lest as their Pleasures, so their Plagues you taste,  
When as the Lamb the Victory doth win,  
He of fat things will make his Flock a Feast,  
This Cloud dispersed, the Sun shall shine more bright,  
Whilst Darkness past endears the present Light.   

47  
Now in the dangerous Days of this last Age,  
When as he knows that CHRIST to come prepares,  
The Devil shall like a roaring Lion rage,  
And to catch Souls shall set a thousand Snares,  
He 'gainst GOD'S Saints twice deadly Wars shall wage,  
Whilst some Presumption tempts, and some Despairs,  
If that this Time not shortened were, deceived,  
GOD'S chosen Children hardly could be saved.   

48  
Some for a glorious Use who once did serve,  
As Stars to Eyes, clear Lights of Souls esteemed,  
Lo, (stumbling Blocks) from their first Course do swerver,  
Not what they were, else were not what they seemed,  
Such justly damned (Lights Foes) as they deserve,  
From Darkness more shall never be redeemed,  
Church Angels all, all for Examples use,  
So that their Fall doth many thousands bruise.   

49  
Men so the World shall love, Religion hate,  
That all true Zeal shall in Contempt be brought,  
The spiritual Lights Eclipse shall grow so great,  
That Lies the Truth, Truth shall a Lie be thought,  
Yet some shall weigh their Works at such a Rate,  
As they Themselves, not CHRIST their Souls had bought,  
All just to seem, not be, their Thoughts shall bend,  
Not bend to edify, but to contend.   

50  
Some Signs are gone which registered were found,  
To rouse the World before that dreadful Blast,  
But [Ah] what All now see, and I must found'st,  
I wish they were to come, or else were past,  
Those Signs, those Sins I sing, do warn, shall wound  
This Age too aged, and worthy to be last,  
It Signs that shadowed were doth so design,  
I must historify, and not divine.   

51  
The Devils last charge to shun CHRIST gave advice,  
Since all the World would be seduced by Lies,  
He now whilst all adore their own device,  
Taints all men's Hearts, or else upbraids their Eyes,  
The Froth of Virtue, and the Dregs of Vice,  
Which only last, the World's last Period tries,  
So high a point Impiety doth win,  
Not grieved, no, not ashamed, men brag of sin.   

52  
Men with Themselves so much in love remain,  
That Rich without, and poor within being worn,  
They (if not gorgeous) Garments do disdain,  
Though the first badge of Bondage which was borne,  
Yet pampered Bodies famished Souls retain,  
Which seek the Shadow, and the substance scorn,  
Ere high advanced, all once must humble prove,  
Those first themselves must loathe, whom GOD will love.   

53  
The Greatest number now profanely swears,  
And dare to Brawl, or jest, name GOD in vain,  
Yet that Heaven Thunder, or Earth burst, not fears,  
Lest so they crushed, or swallowed should remain:  
Some vomit forth (polluting purer Ears)  
That what them first, may others after stain,  
A filthy Tongue, and a blasphemous Mouth,  
Of Satan's Seed do show a mighty Growth,   

54  
That Avarice which the Apostle told,  
When as the World declines men's Minds should sway,  
Doth rage so now, that even their GOD for Gold,  
Not only Men, Men in our time betray,  
To Satan some for gain their Souls have sold,  
Whilst what their Hearts hold Truth, their Words gainsay.  
By Ethnics once those must condemned remain,  
Who change Religion Earthly things to gain.   

55  
What Age ere this so many Children saw  
Who with their Parents (O unhappy Strife)  
Plead still at Law, though wronging Nature's Law,  
And help to haste their Death who gave them Life?  
Now Virtuous Words to vicious Deeds do draw,  
The Love of GOD is rare, of Pleasure rife:  
This Darkness shows that it draws near the Night,  
Sin it must shortly fall, since at the height,   

56  
Then even the most of Misery to make.  
The Souls of some which still being evil grow worse,  
All Sense quite lost in Sin such pleasure take,  
That frozen Minds can melt in no remorse,  
No threatened Terrors can their Conscience wake,  
Sin hath so much, the Spirit so little force,  
No Physic for the Sick which live as sound,  
A Sore past sense doth show a deadly wound.   

57  
As such a Burden it did burst to bear,  
(Through Horror of our Sins) the Earth doth shake,  
And shall itself oft-times asunder tear,  
Ere CHRIST his judgement manifest doth make.  
Or else I know not if it quake for fear,  
Of that great Fire which should it shortly sack:  
The living Earth to move, dead Earth doth move,  
Yet earthly Men than Earth more earthly prove.   

58  
Whiles in some parts whose Ruins Fame renowns,  
In indignation of her sinful Seed,  
(As Men should do their Eyes) the Earth GOD drowns.  
Which those to plague who the first cause did breed.  
Doth vomit Mountains, and doth swallow Towns,  
The World's Foundation brangling like a Reed,  
Whilst with pale Hearts the panting People think,  
That Hell will rise, or that the Heaven will sink.   

59  
One Earthquake tossed the Turks imperial Head,  
days sensible, but violent some Hours,  
Till in that Town a monstrous Breach was made,  
[As charged at once by all the damned Powers]  
I know not whether buried first, or dead,  
Troops seemed to strive in falling with their Towers,  
Whilst those who stood all trembling did attend,  
That all the World [at least themselves] should end.   

60  
betwixt Rome and Naples once (in envies Eye)  
What stately Towns did the World's conquerors found,  
Which now we not (no, not their Ruins) spy,  
Being laid more low than level with the Ground,  
They with all theirs en-earthed by Earthquakes lie,  
Whose Stones (drawn down where Darkness doth abound)  
Like Sisyphus perchance a number roulles,  
Else Dis builds Doungeons for the damned souls.   

61  
Late near those Parts whose Ruins men admire,  
Where Wealth superfluous idle Wonders wrought,  
An Earthquake strange amazement did acquire,  
A Plain conceived, and forth a Mountain brought,  
Which diverse days disgorged flames of Fire,  
And Stones whose Substance was consumed to nought:  
Hells Fire it seemed which as GOD'S Wrath still lights,  
Grown great flammed forth up-braiding Sinners sights.   

62  
Last in this Land our Eyes saw one of late,  
Whose Terror from some Minds rests not removed,  
Then any else as strange, though not so great,  
Not violent, but universal proved,  
As if of Nature's Course the threatened Date,  
All at one Hour this Kingdom trembling moved,  
The old State loathing, longing for a new,  
Earth leaps for joy, as ready to renew.   

63  
But ah who wakes when rocked is all this Round,  
Or strives to stand though even the Earth thus starts?  
Though GOD doth toss this Ball till it rebound,  
Who lest it part, from his Corruption parts?  
Ah that the World so senseless should be found,  
Both Heaven and Earth do shake, but not men's Hearts,  
Since for his Word the World disdains to bow,  
Dumb Creatures do denounce GOD'S judgements now.   

64  
I think the Earth by such strange Throws would tell  
How much she doth her present State despise,  
Or else all those who in her Bowels dwell  
Do rouse themselves as ready now to rise,  
Her Belly thus grown Big doth seem to swell,  
As one whose Travel soon should her sur-prise,  
And yet her Brood she Viperlike must free,  
Whose Course must end when Theirs begins to be.   

65  
As GOD that Day of Doom strives to make known,  
By Monstrous Signs which may amaze the Mind,  
That judgement Great by judgements is fore-shown,  
Whilst all the Weapons of his Wrath have shined,  
That others may (whilst some rest thus overthrown)  
Stand in the furnace of Affliction fined,  
For still the Wretched most Religious prove,  
And oft Examples more than Doctrine move.   

66  
The Sword of GOD shall once be drunk with Blood,  
And Surfeit on the Flesh of thousands slain  
Of those who (following Evil) do flee from Good,  
And (scorning CHRIST) profess to be profane,  
From GOD'S Winepress of Wrath shall flow a Flood,  
Which shall with Blood their Horses Bridles stain,  
None may abide, nor yet can fly his sight,  
When armed with Vengeance GOD doth thundering fight.   

67  
When Fatherlike GOD chastising his Child.  
Plagued all the Subjects for their Sovereign's Crime,  
What Thousands than were from the World exiled?  
Even in three Days (so soon turns Flesh to slime)  
The Earth made waste Men had no more defiled,  
Had but one Angel warred a little Time,  
Since by GOD'S Word the World did made remain,  
Less than his Look may ruin it again.   

68  
The Pestilence of Wrath chief Weapon thought,  
Which of all Plagues the PLAGVE is only called,  
As if All else (respecting it) were nought,  
It hath so much the Minds of Men paid,  
That Wound by GOD'S own Hand seems only wrought,  
Whose mediate Means scarce rest to Reason thralled:  
That which we not conceive, admire we must,  
And in GOD'S Power above our Knowledge trust.   

69  
That poisoned Dart whose Power none can gainstand,  
GOD rarely used in time of greatest Wrath,  
And had it once but brangled in his Hand,  
All trembling stood, (as twixt the jaws of Death)  
Then now itself, the Fame more feared this Land,  
Of this great Frenzy which infects the Breath:  
A thing thought strange by Habit homely proves,  
What first all Grief, at last all Sense removes.   

70  
Once in one Age, few Days, and in few Parts,  
The Pest some People to Repentance urged,  
And did with Terror strike the strongest Hearts,  
Whilst his vineyard the heavens great Husband purged,  
The Quire of whose Wrath did rain down Darts,  
By which of late what Kingdom was not scourged:  
So that Men now not fear that Whip of GOD,  
Like Boys oft beaten which contemn the Rod.   

71  
Lo in this stately Isle admired so much,  
What Province, no, what Town hath not been pinned,  
By that abhorred Disease which strikes who touch,  
Whilst biles the Body, Madness swells the Mind?  
Ah of some Towns the Anguish hath been such,  
That All, all Hope of safety had resigned,  
Whilst Friends no Comfort gave, no, no Relief,  
The Sickness only (not the Death) bred Grief.   

72  
This raging Ague bursts so ugly out,  
Till Men of those whom they love best, are dread,  
Then Danger all in every thing do doubt,  
Men by the Plague made Plagues as Plagues are fled,  
And are with Horror compassed round about,  
When that Contagion through the Air is spread,  
The Air which first our Breath abused doth stain,  
It poisoned so but Poisons us again.   

73  
What thing more wretched can imagined be,  
Then is the Town where once the Botch abounds?  
There not one Sense rests from some Burden free,  
Three do infect, and Two (though pure) bear Wounds,  
Oft in one Hole Heaps thrown at once we see,  
As where to bury Men feared Want of Bounds,  
Yea whilst in Plaints they spend their plaguy Breath,  
Of all things which are feared the least is Death.   

74  
Death (whilst no Drogue this Fevers Force ou'rthrowes)  
Oft ere the Patiented the Physician claims,  
The Air they draw their Heat still higher blows,  
Till even what should refresh thus most inflames,  
Of damned Souls the State their Torment shows,  
Who gnash their Teeth as cold whilst Fire inflames,  
And betwixt their Pains this Difference only wins,  
Death ends the One, the Other but begins.   

75  
To plague those Parts where CHRIST'S own Troops do dwell,  
The Angel which destroys hath most been bend,  
That whom Words could not move, Wounds may compel,  
Ere Ruin come, in Time now to repent,  
By Pain on Earth made think of Pain in Hell,  
As this they fly, that That they may prevent:  
What can discourage those whom CHRIST doth love,  
To whom Evil Good, Grief joy, Death Life doth prove?   

76  
Where we should always fight the Heaven to gain,  
By Prayers, Plaints and charitable Deeds,  
To raise up Earth on Earth our Strength we strain,  
So base a Courage worldly Honour breeds,  
This doth provoke the Darts of GOD'S Disdain,  
By which of some the wounded Conscience bleeds,  
All headlongs run to Hell whose Way is even,  
But by a narrow Path are drawn to Heaven.   

77  
Of Vengeance now the Storehouse opened stands,  
O what a Weight of Wrath the World now bears!  
Through Terror strait why tremble not all Lands,  
When GOD in Rage aThrone of justice rears?  
And pours down Plagues whilst brandishing his Brands,  
The Pest being past the World next Famine fears:  
Still think that Mischief never comes alone,  
Those who fear more what is the less do move.   

78  
Since that the World doth loath celestial Food,  
That spiritual MANNA which Souls Nectar proves,  
By Grace drawn forth from the Redeemers Blood,  
A Gift (no Guerdoun) given to whom he loves,  
Those who terrestrial things think only good,  
Them Want shall try whom no Abundance moves,  
For Ah of some so fat the Bodies be,  
That of their Souls they not the Leanness see.   

79  
GOD'S Creatures (oft condemned) shall once accuse  
Those who in Wantonness them vainly spent,  
And justly what unjustly they abuse,  
Shall unto them more sparingly be lent,  
That which they now superfluously use,  
Shall (made a Curse) not Natures Need content,  
A barren Soul should have a barren Earth,  
Oft temporal Plenty breeds a spiritual Dearth.   

80  
Those in the Dust who still profanely roll,  
Whose thorny Thoughts do chock that heavenly Seed,  
Which by the Word was sown in every Soul,  
Shall likewise want what should their Bodies feed,  
What Most they trust, shall once their Hope's control,  
By earthly Hunger heavenly Thirst to breed,  
Thus those (like Babes) whose judgement is not deep,  
Who scorned a Treasure shall for Trifles weep.   

81  
What Sauces strange (a Fault which Custom cloaks)  
To urge the Bodies Appetit are made,  
Which Nature's self sufficiently provokes,  
But of the Soul when carnal Cates it lead,  
The Appetite which (Ah even Nature chokes)  
What Art is used to quicken it when dead?  
When Bodies do too much, Souls nought digest,  
But when the Others fast, are fit to feast.   

82  
Base Belly-gods whose Board is Satan's Bate,  
Whose judgements to your Taste rest only thrall,  
The LORD in wrath shall cut away your Meat,  
And for your Honey furnish you with Gall,  
Like loathsome Beasts since you the Acorns eat,  
Yet look not up to see from whence they fall,  
Sons prodigal who from your Father swerver,  
You keeping worse than Swine, shall justly starve,   

83  
To waken some which sleep in Sin as dead,  
The LORD ere CHRIST do come all States to try,  
Since being abused, shall break the Staff of Bread,  
And as we him make Earth us fruits deny,  
The Corn shall whither, and the Grass shall fade,  
Then to nurse Men being rather bend to die,  
As dutiful to him by whom they breed,  
GOD'S Creatures pure, his Rebels scorn to feed.   

84  
Now in this Time which is the last esteemed,  
The Spirits impure do all in one conspire,  
And work that GOD by Men may be blasphemed,  
To purchase partners of eternal Fire,  
That who should them condemn, hath us redeemed,  
Makes Envy blow the bellows of their Ire,  
The wicked Angels irritated thus,  
Not seek their safety, but to ruin us.   

85  
More near doth draw Salvation to the Just,  
The more the Dragon's Mind doth Fnuie wound,  
That Men (the Slaves of Death, the Sons of Dust)  
As Heirs of Heaven, with Glory should be crowned,  
And that perpetual pains they suffer must,  
Though (all Immortal) to no Bodies bound:  
Nought true repose to the envious brings,  
Whom their own harm, or others good still stings.   

86  
Man's Foe who first Confusion did devise,  
(By long Experience grown profound in skill)  
Through strength oft tried our Weakness doth despise,  
And knows what best may serve each Soul to kill,  
He to his part our Passions doth entice,  
And to betray our Wit corrupts out Will:  
Whom GOD not guards those Satan soon may win,  
Whilst Force doth charge without, and Fraud within.   

87  
That Heir of Hell whom justly GOD rejects,  
Who sought by subtlety all Souls to blind,  
Not only Shafts in secret now directs,  
By Inspirations poisoning the Mind,  
But even a Banner boldly he erects,  
As this World's Prince by public power designed,  
From shape to shape this Proteus thus removes,  
Who first a Fox, and last a Lion proves.   

88  
He since his Kingdom now should end so soon,  
Doth many Circe's, and Medea's make,  
That can obscure the Sun, and charm the Moon,  
Raise up the Dead, and make the Living quake,  
Whilst they by Pictures persons have undone,  
Do give to some, from others substance take:  
Three Elements their tyranny doth thrall,  
But oft the fourth takes Vengeance of them all.   

89  
Whilst in his Hand the Bolts of Death he bears,  
Still watching Souls the crafty Hunter lies,  
With inward Fancies, and with outward fears,  
Whom he may tempt continually he tries,  
Whiles [rumbling Horror] sounds assault the ears,  
Whiles Monstrous Forms paint Terror in the Eyes:  
He who with GOD even in the Heaven durst strive,  
Thinks soon on Earth men's Ruin to contrive.   

90  
As many did possessed by Spirits remain,  
When first CHRIST came Salvation to begin,  
So likewise now before he come again,  
Some Bodies daily which they enter in,  
By desperate means would be dispatched of pain,  
Else (bound in Body) lose their Souls to Sin,  
And if that GOD not interposed his Power,  
Strait every Soul Hell's Tyrant would devour.   

91  
In some whom GOD permits him to abuse,  
The Lord of Darkness doth at diverse Hours  
His subtle Substance fraudfully infuse,  
Till they his Spirit, his Spirit their Souls devours,  
He as his own doth all their Members use,  
And they [as Babes with Knives] work with his Powers,  
O monstrous Union, Miracle of Evils,  
Which thus with Men incorporates the Devils!   

92  
When erst in Delphos after ugly cries,  
The Priestresse Pithia seeming to be sage,  
Big by the Devil delivered was of Lies,  
She to the Terror of that senseless Age,  
Still panting, swollen, Hell flaming through her Eyes,  
Roared forth Responses by Prophetic Rage:  
She to her LORD whilst prostituted thus,  
An Image was of whom he fills with us.   

93  
Of those who are possessed in such a sort,  
Some to themselves whom Satan doth accuse,  
They Mad (or He in them) whiles brag, whiles sport,  
And whilst they would the Looker's on abuse,  
Do secrets (to themselves not known) report,  
And of all Tongues the Eloquence can use,  
All what each Age devised observing still,  
The Devil knows much, but bends it all to ill.   

94  
O Heavens be hid, and lose thy Light O Sun!  
Since in the World (O what a fearful thing!)  
The Devil of some so great a power hath won,  
That what was theirs he doth in bondage bring,  
Then from their Body speaks (as from a Tun,)  
As sounds from Bells, or Floods through Rocks do ring:  
Dear Saviour rise, and in a Just disdain,  
This Serpent bruise, this Liviathan rain.   

95  
The Sun, and Moon, now oftentimes look pale,  
(As if ashamed the Shame of Men to see)  
Or else grown old, their force begins to fail,  
That thus so oft eclipsed their Beauties be,  
And over their Glory Darkness doth prevail,  
Whilst faint for Grief their Ruin they foresee,  
For (as superfluous) they must shortly fall,  
When as the light of Light doth lighten all.   

96  
The Heavenly Bodies [as being grown less strong]  
Do seem more slack, [as weary of their Race]  
So that Time rests reformed [as being run wrong]  
All Climates still new Temperatures embrace,  
What strange Effects must follow then ere long?  
Some Stars seem new, and others change their place,  
So altered is the starry Courts Estate,  
Astrologues want intelligence of late.   

97  
Each element by diverse Signs hath shown,  
That shortly evil must be discerned from good,  
The Earth (aged Mother) now is Barren grown,  
Whose Womb oft worn, now torn, doth f●ile in Brood,  
And may (since staggering else) be soon ou'rthrowne.  
What wonder? Weak through Age and drunk with Blood:  
With Blood, which still to GOD for Vengeance cries,  
And (as o'reburdened) groaning groveling lies.   

98  
The liquid Legions by tumultuous Bands,  
Whose bellowing Billows to transcend contend,  
Do whiles usurp, whiles leave possessed Lands,  
In Monsters fertile, fishes rarely lend,  
Whilst crowned with Clouds each murmuring Mountain stands  
Which acted first, but suffer must in end,  
A mighty Change heavens Monarch now concludes,  
Floods first quenshed flams, flams strait shall kindle floods,   

99  
The Air whose Power impetuous Nought can bond,  
Doth cite all Souls to GOD'S Great Parliament,  
Whilst thundering Tempests roar a rumbling Sound.  
And the last Trumpets Terror represent,  
Those Blasts denounce the Ruin of this Round,  
Which Heaven in Showers seems weeping to lament:  
Thus Waters wash, Winds wipe, and both conspire,  
That Earth so purged may be prepared for Fire.   

100  
The Water, Earth, the Air would it ou'rthrow,  
Whose Rage by Ruin only is repressed,  
The High things still insulting o'er the Low,  
Till once the Highest have consumed the Rest,  
The fourth must end what the first three fore-show,  
Whose proof is last reserved as being the Best,  
A fiery Trial every thing defines,  
And All at last to a Perfection fines.   

101  
Then Natures Self not strong as of before,  
Yields Fruits deformed as from a bastard Seed,  
That monstrous Minds may be admired no more,  
Whilst monstrous Bodies more Amazement breed,  
All the Portentous Brood of Beasts abhor,  
And since prodigious ominously dread,  
From their first Form since all things thus decline,  
All in another Shape must shortly shine.   

102  
Few Signs or none remain men's Minds to move,  
Till of the Son of Man the Sign crave Sight,  
That Glory which unspeakable doth prove,  
CHRIST'S Substance, no, his Shadow, yet our Light,  
Whose Majesty, and Beauty, from above,  
Shall ere he shine, make all about be bright,  
The Coming of the LORD that Sign bewrays,  
As Lightning Thunder, as the Sun his Rays.   

103  
Yet this vile Age (what Rage?) some Mockers breeder,  
That big with Scorn disdainfully dare say,  
What change mad Minds with such fond Fancies feeds,  
From the first Form since nought below doth stray,  
The Summer Harvest, Winter Spring succeeds,  
The Moon doth shine by Night, the Sun by day,  
Males procreate, and Females do conceive,  
Some daily Life do lose, some it receive?   

104  
O Atheists vile, else Christian's void of Care,  
From GOD'S Tribunal who in vain appeal,  
That CHRIST to judge the World doth strait prepare,  
You thus [contemning Signs] a Sign reveal,  
Whose Hearts obdured the dearness doth declare,  
Of your Damnation's, our Salvations Seal,  
And whilst your heart both Heaven, and Hell derides,  
Your judgement Heaven, your Torment Hell provides.   

105  
Yet foolish Souls their Pleasures still affect,  
And marrying Wives what Mirth may move devise,  
But whilst asleep their Safety they neglect,  
CHRIST (as a Thief) against them shall arise,  
And (in a Rage) when they Him least expect,  
Shall slothful Servants suddenly surprise,  
As Such shall wish [their Talents strictly tried]  
That from his Face them Hills, them Hells might hide.   

106  
O Multitude, O multitude as Sand!  
A day of Horror strange shall strait appeared,  
Come down and in the threshing Valley stand,  
The threshing Valley (lo) the LORD draws near,  
And else doth take (take heed) his Fan in Hand,  
Light Souls as Chaff with Wind vanish here,  
The Harvest is ripe, and the Winepress is full,  
Yea Wickedness ou'rflowes: all Hearts are dull.   

107  
Seal, vial, Trumpet, Seventh, opens, pours, sounds,  
What doth not intimate GOD'S Great Decree,  
Which Nature's Course, Man's Faith, GOD'S Mercy bounds,  
Even in a time, when Time no more should be,  
The Fire is kindling else which All confounds,  
GOD'S Hand (lo) writes, his Balance raised we see:  
When Souls are weighed [GOD'S wondrous Works to crown]  
The Weighty must mount up, the Light fall down.   

108  
But ere the Depths of Wrath I enter in,  
When as Repentance shall no more have place,  
As GOD a while defers some Souls to win,  
I will suspend my Fury for a Space,  
That ere the height of Horror do begin,  
My Thoughts may bathe amidst the Springs of Grace,  
To clear some Souls which Satan seeks to blind,  
LORD purge my Spirit, illuminat my Mind.    

DOOMSDAY, OR, THE GREAT DAY OF THE LORDS JUDGEMENT.  
The third Hour.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
WHilst Angels Him convoy, & Saints attend,  
(The Heavens as Smoke all fled before his Face)  
CHRIST through the Cloud, With Glory doth descend,  
With Majesty, and Terror, Power, and Grace:  
What fly, walk, grow, swim, All What may end, do end,  
Earth, Air, and Sea, All purged in little Space,  
Strange Preparations that great Court precede,  
Where All must meet whom any Age did breed.  

1  
Immortal MONARCH Ruler of the Rounds,  
Embaume my Bosom with a secret Grace,  
Whilst lifted up above the vulgar Bounds,  
A Path not paved my Spirit aspires to trace,  
That I with brazen Breath may roar forth Sounds  
To shake the heart, fix Paleness in the Face:  
LORD make my swelling Voice (a mighty Wind)  
Lift up the Low, beat down the lofty Mind.   

2  
What dreadful Sound doth thunder in my Ears?  
What pompous Splendour doth transport mine Eyes?  
I wots not what above myself me bears,  
He comes, He comes who all Hearts Secrets tries,  
Shout, shout for joy who long have reigned down Tears,  
Howl, howl for Grief in Ease who wallowing lies,  
Now shall be built and on Eternal Grounds,  
The height of Horror, Pleasure passing Bounds.   

3  
Now no more firm the Firmament doth fly,  
As leaps the Dear fled from the Hunter's face,  
Lo, like a Drunkard reels the Crystal Sky,  
As Garments old degraded from their grace,  
All folded up the Azure Pallions spy,  
Which with a noise doth vanish from the Place,  
The Lantern burnt, Light utters utter Worth,  
Drawn are the Hinging, MAJESTY comes forth.   

4  
Who can abide the Glory of that fight,  
Which kills the Living, and the Dead doth raise,  
With Squadrons compassed, angels flaming bright,  
Whom Thousands serve, ten thousand Thousands praise,  
My Soul entranced Rest ravished with that Light,  
Whose least-least part may all the World amaze,  
That of our Spirit which doth the Powers condense,  
Of muddy Mortals far transcends the sense.   

5  
A Fire before him no resistance finds,  
Fierce sounds of Horror thunder in each ear,  
The noise of Armies, Tempests, and Whirlwinds,  
A weight of Wrath, more than ten Worlds can bear,  
Think what a Terror stings distracted Minds,  
When Mountains melt, and Valleys burst for fear,  
What? what must this in guilty Mortals breed,  
Whilst all this All stands trembling like a Reed?   

6  
The GOD of Battles Battle doth intend,  
To daunt the Nations, and to fetter Kings,  
He with all Flesh in judgement to contend,  
At Midnight comes as on the Morning's wings,  
O time of Ruin ending without End,  
Huge time of Vengeance where all balanced hangs!  
The LORDS Great Day, a Day of Wrath and Pain,  
Whose Night of Darkness never clears again.   

7  
That Element still clear in spite of Nights,  
Which as most subtle mounted up above,  
To kindle there perchance those glorious Lights,  
Which died by it, as decked by Beauty move,  
Of curious Fancies else to stay the Flights,  
As which may not be touched, a bounds did prove,  
That they presume no higher things to see,  
Then are the Elements of which they be.   

8  
Mark how Aeolian Bands loosed from the Bounds  
Where them in Fetters the Eternal keeps,  
As if the angry Spirit of all the Rounds,  
Like Tyrant's rage, till Heaven to quench them weeps,  
Whose rumbling Fury whilst it all confounds,  
Whiles cleaves the Clouds, whiles parts the deepest Deeps  
By Noise above, and Violence below,  
Earthquake and Thunder both at once to show.   

9  
Even so Fire which was made (nought to annoy)  
To liquid Limits closed with Clouds retire,  
Lest what it fosters, it might else destroy,  
O when enlarged and kindled by GOD'S Ire,  
It him at Midnight doth as Torch convoy,  
All all will seem a PYRAMID of Fire,  
To GOD what is this Universal Frame?  
Now but a Moat, at last a little Flame?   

10  
The Axell-trees on which Heavens Round doth move,  
Shrunk from their Burden both fall broken down,  
Those which to Pilots point out from above  
Their Ways through Waves to richesses or renown,  
And so (though fixed) the Strayers helpers prove,  
Night's stately Lamps borne in an Azure Crown,  
Those guiding Stars may as not needful fall,  
When worldlings wanderings are accomplished all,   

11  
The Vagabonds above, lascivious Lights,  
Which from fond Minds which did their Course admire,  
By strange Effects observed from several heights,  
[As Deities] Altars Idols did acquire,  
Thrown from their Spheres exposed to Mortals sights,  
As abject Ashes, excrements of Fire,  
They in their Ruins (far from what before)  
Shall damn the Nations which did them adore.   

12  
With Ludging twelve designed by several Signs,  
Now falls that Building more than Crystal clear,  
Which the days Eye (though circling all) confines,  
Still tempering times, and seasoning the Year,  
All temporal Light (no more to rise) declines,  
That Glory may eternally appear,  
All then being Infinite, no bounds attend,  
times and half times being past, Time takes an end,   

13  
As slimy Vapours whilst like Stars they fall,  
Shot from their Place do hurl alongst the Sky,  
The Pleyades, Arcturus, Orion, all  
The glistering Troops [Lights languishin] do die,  
Like other Creatures to confusion thrall,  
They from the flames (as Sparks from Fire) do fly,  
The Heavens at last grieved for their falling Spheres,  
(All else dried up) weep down their Stars for Tears.   

14  
As Leaves from Trees, the Stars from Heaven do shake,  
Dark Clouds of Smoke exhausting those of Rain,  
The Moon all turns to Blood, the Sun grows Black,  
Which whilst those Monstrous Forms they do retain,  
Of Vengeance Badges, Signs of Ruin make,  
And not eclipsed by usual means remain,  
Those common Lights obscured, the Just shine bright,  
The Wicked enter in Eternal Night.   

15  
Whilst staggering reels this Universal Frame,  
The Heavens bow down with GOD as being his Seat,  
His Sceptre Iron, his Throne a fiery Flame,  
To bruise the Mighty, and to fine the Great,  
Who of his Glory can the Greatness dream  
Who once was valued at a little Rate?  
GOD by his Word did first make all of nought,  
And by his Word shall judge All of each thought.   

16  
When GOD his people did together draw  
On Zions Mount to register his Will,  
He [that they might attend with reverent Aw]  
Came clad with Clouds stern Trumpets sounding shrill,  
And threatened Death, (whilst thundering forth his Law)  
To all that durst approach the trembling Hill:  
What compassed with Death he thus did give,  
Ah, who can keep, or violate, and live?   

17  
Since this confounding Form did (Minds to tame,  
That of their Yoke all might the burden know)  
Those dreadful Statutes terribly proclaim,  
All Flesh for fear shall fade away below,  
How they were kept when GOD a count doth claim,  
A time of Terror more than words can show,  
He gave in Mercy, shall exact with Ire,  
The Mountain smoked, the World shall burn on Fire.   

18  
In spite of Nature's powers which then exspyre,  
Through liquid Limits breaking from above,  
Lo downward tends the Tempest of this Fire,  
The Airy Region doth a Furnace prove,  
To boil her Guests the Vessels of GOD'S Ire,  
Which tortured there can no where else remove,  
flames which should still for their confusion rage,  
Thus kindled first perchance nought can assuage▪   

19  
The growing Creatures which do mount most high,  
And as their earthly Bounds they did disdain,  
Would (whilst their Tops encroach upon the Sky)  
Base Men upbraid who not their Strength do strain  
With heavenly Helps still higher up to fly,  
And spurn at Earth where rooted they remain,  
Those levy Bands while as they fan the Air,  
As fittest Baits for Fire first kindle their.   

20  
Who can imagine this and yet not mourn?  
What Battle must succeed this huge Alarm?  
Of Lebanon the stately Cedars burn,  
The Pines of Idus fall without an Arm,  
The fertile Forests all to Flames do turn,  
And waste the World which they were wont to warm:  
To plague proud Sinners every thing accords,  
What Comfort once, Confusion now affords,   

21  
The smoking Mountains melt like Wax away,  
Else sink for Fear (O more than fearful things!)  
They which the Fields with Rivers did array,  
As if to quench their Heat, drink up their Springs,  
Like faded Flowers their drooping Tops decay,  
Which crowned with Clouds stretched through the Air their wings,  
As did the Rain, the Fire doth seize all bounds,  
What Last the First; the Last at First confounds.   

22  
Then of That Birth Hills shall delivered be,  
Which big by Nature they so long have borne,  
Though it fond Mortals (Slaves by being free)  
To make Abortives have their Bellies torn,  
Gold as when Midas wish (O just Decree!)  
Shall flow superfluous Covetice to scorn,  
What of All else did measure once the Worth,  
Shall then lie loathed by Aguous Earth spewed forth.   

23  
The godly Kings wise Son from Ophir brought  
With Ethnics joined [all welcome are for gains)  
What Spaniards now in other Worlds have sought,  
That golden Fleece still win, and worn with pains,  
And yet it last which ail this Trouble wrought,  
From molten Mountains shall ou'rflow the Plains:  
Ah, ah cursed Gold what makest thou not Men do,  
Being sought over all the Earth, and in it to?   

24  
Fond Coveting made our first Parents fall,  
And since the same hath still held down their Race,  
Whose judgements were to senseless things made thrall,  
Which GOD most low, and they most high do place,  
Nought in themselves, to us by us made All,  
The which we first, and then they all things grace,  
But strait dissolved they shall to Hell repair,  
To brave a Multitude by them drawn th'air.   

25  
At Heaven (when hence) if certain to arrive,  
These barbarous Souls were well, who free from Noy,  
Walk naked, feed on Herbs, and for Nought strive,  
But scorn our Toils, whose Treasure is their Toy,  
As Adam first (when innocent) they live,  
And goldlesse thus the golden Age enjoy,  
We barbarous are in Deeds, and they in Show,  
Too little they, and ah too much we know.   

26  
What huge Deluge of Flames inflames my Mind,  
Whilst inward Ardour that without endears,  
A Light ou'rflowing Light doth make me blind,  
The Sea a Lantern, Earth a Lamp appears,  
That crystal Covering burned which it confined,  
The Way to Ruin fatal Lightning clears,  
Dust equals all which unto it return,  
All Creatures now one funeral Fire doth burn.   

27  
The stately Birds which sacred were to jove,  
Whose Pourtraits did great emperors Powers adorn,  
Whilst generously their Race they strived to prove,  
Which Titan's Beams with bended Eyes had borne,  
Shall fall down headlongs burning from above,  
(As Phaeton was feigned) Ambitions scorn:  
As fit to fall who of themselves presume,  
Those raging Wrath doth at the first consume.   

28  
The sixth and last of that unmatched Kind,  
(If each of them doth live a thousand Years)  
Shall Sabbath have in Ashes still confined,  
Whose Birth, Death, Nest, and Tomb all one appears,  
That only Bird which over all others shined,  
[As over all Lights that which Night's Darkness clears,]  
He from renewing of his Age by Fire,  
Shall be prevented ere that it expire.   

29  
The Salamander which still Vulcan loved,  
And those small Worms which in hot Waters dwell,  
This lives in Fire, that dies from it removed,  
But those last Flames shall both from Breath expel,  
Those Creatures thus by burning Heat oft proved,  
Show tortured Souls may pine, yet breath in Hell,  
If those in Fire (and with Delight) remain,  
May not the Wicked live in Fire with Pain.   

30  
That pompous Bird which still in Triumph bears,  
Rolled in a Circle his ostentive Tail,  
With Stars (as if to brave the starry Spheres)  
Then seems at once to walk, to fly, to sail,  
His Flesh which kept nought to Corruption wears,  
Against Destruction shall not now prevail,  
Those painted Fowls shall then be Baits for Fire,  
As painted Fools be now for endless Ire.   

31  
The Indian Griphon Terror of all Eyes,  
That flying Giant, Nimbrod of the Air,  
The scaly Dragon which in Ambush lies,  
To watch his Enemy with a Martial Care,  
Though breathing Flames, touched by a Flame strait dies,  
And all winged Monsters made (since hurtful) rare,  
Types of strong Tyrants which the Weak oppress,  
Those ravenous great Ones Prey upon the Less.   

32  
Their nimble Feathers than shall nought import,  
Which with their Wings both level Sea and Land,  
The Falcon fierce, and all that active Sort,  
Which by their Burden grace a Prince's Hand,  
And [they for Prey, their Bearers bend for Sport]  
Do thrall great monarchs which even Men command,  
Ere fallen on Earth their Ashes quenshed be;  
Whom soared of late aloft Men scarce could see.   

33  
Those Birds [but turned to Dust] again shall rain,  
Which mutinous Israel with a Curse received,  
And those for Sport so prodigally slain,  
For which (what shame) some Belly-monsters craved  
Long Necks like Crans their Tastes to entertain,  
From which the PHOENIX hardly can be saved,  
In Body's base whose Bellies still are full,  
The Souls are made (choked with gross Vapours) dull.   

34  
The feathered Flocks which by a Notion strange,  
(I know not how inspired or what they see)  
Or if their inward Following outward Change,  
As true Astrologues gathering Storms foresee,  
In quaking Clouds their murmuring Troops which range,  
To wail, or warn the World hived on some Tree,  
Nought unto them this General Wrack foreshows,  
Men, Angels, no, not CHRIST [as Man] foreknows.   

35  
The rage of Time those Changelings to appease,  
Like feigned Friends who Fortune only woo,  
Which haunt each soil whilst there they find their Ease,  
Though I confess this shows their Greatness too,  
Who at their Will use Kingdoms as they please,  
Even more than monarchs with great Hosts can do.  
But yet where ere they be they then shall fall,  
GOD'S Army, I, his Arm doth stretch over All.   

36  
Those which themselves in Civil Wars do match,  
Whose sound triumphal Lions puts to flight,  
The Morning's Ushers, urging Sleeps dispatch  
Whose Wings applaud their Voice saluting Light,  
The Labourers Horloge, ordinary Watch,  
Whose Course by Nature ruled goes always right,  
Those Trumpeters dissolving many Dream,  
May then not see the Day which they proclaim.   

37  
So suddenly all shall with Ruin meet,  
That even the Fowl which still doth streams pursue,  
As if to wash, or hide, her loathed black Feet,  
Then swims in state proud of her snowy hue,  
Who used with Tragic Notes (though sad, yet sweet)  
To make Meander's Nymphs her dying rue,  
She being surprysed not dreaming of her death,  
Shall not have time to tune her plaintive Breath.   

38  
The winged Squadrons which by feeling find  
A Body (though Invisible) of Air,  
Both solid, waste, closed, open, free, confined,  
Whilst weighed by lightness stays by moving there,  
As Swimmers Waves, those Fliers beat the Wind,  
Borne by their Burdens, Miracles if rare,  
The Feathers fired, their stretched Arms do shrink,  
And by being lighter, heavier down they sink.   

39  
That sort which diving deep, and soaring high,  
Like some too subtle trusting double ways,  
Which swim with Fishes, and with Fowls do fly,  
Whilst still their course the present Fortune sways,  
At last in vain their liquid Fortress try,  
Of Wrath the Weapons nought save Ruin stays,  
To fly the Air down in the Depths they bend,  
For want of Air down in the Depths they end.   

40  
Wing'd Alchemists which quintessence the Flowers,  
As oft-times drowned before, then burned shall be,  
Then measuring Artists by their nombrous Powers,  
Whose works proportions better do agree,  
Which do by Colonies uncharge their Bowers,  
Kill Idle one, sting Foes, what needs foresee:  
Men talk of Virtue, Bees do practise it,  
Even justice, Temperance, Fortitude, and Wit.   

41  
What Agony doth thus my Soul invest?  
I think I see Heaven burn, Hell's Gulfs all gape,  
My panting Heart doth beat upon my Breast,  
As urging Passage that it thence may scape,  
Reft from myself yet no where else I rest,  
Of what I was reserving but the shape,  
My Hairs are bended up swollen are mine Eyes,  
My Tongue in silence Minds amazement ties.   

42  
Who can but dream what Furies plague thy Soul,  
Poor sinful Wretch who then art tossed with Breath?  
Whilst desperate Anguish no way can control,  
The raging Torrent of consuming Wrath,  
In every Corner where thy Eyes can roll,  
Their sweetest shows more bitter are then Death,  
Who can express thy Feelings, or thy Fears,  
Which even Repentance can not help with Tears?   

43  
To look aloft if thou dare raise thy Sight,  
Weighed down as damned by guilty actions gone,  
What Horror, Terror, Error, all affright  
Thee, trembling thee, who out of time dost groan?  
Oft shall thou wish that thee fallen Mountains might  
Hide from his Face who sits upon the Throne,  
But ah in vain a lurking Place is sought,  
Nought can be covered now, no, not one Thought.   

44  
The dreadful Noise which that great Day proclaims,  
When mixed with Sighs and Shouts from Mortals here,  
O how deformed a Form Confusion frames!  
None can well think till that itself appear,  
Whilst Clouds of Smoke delivered are of Flames,  
They darken would their Birth, it them would clear,  
But whilst Both strive, None Victory attains,  
This endless Darkness bodes, that endless Pains.   

45  
If seeking Help from thy first Parent slime,  
Lo Pluto's Palace, Dungeons of Despair,  
As fired by Furies, kindled by thy Crime,  
Ben to encroach on interdicted Air,  
Do gape to swallow thee before the time  
Whom they foresee damned for a Dweller there,  
Heaven over thy Head, Hell burns beneath thy Feet,  
As both in Rage to fight with flames would meet.   

46  
With Owlie Eyes which horrid Lightnings blind,  
This to admire the Reprobat not need,  
Matched with the Horrors of a guilty Mind,  
Nought from without but Pleasure can proceed,  
Sink in their bosoms Hells and they shall find  
More ugly things a juster fear to breed,  
Of all most loathed since first the World began,  
No greater Monster than a Wicked man..   

47  
All sorts of Creatures soon consumed remain,  
Crushed by their death whose lives on them depend.  
Their treasons partners whom they entertain,  
Man's Forfeiture doth too towards them extend,  
Whom since they can no further serve again,  
True Vassals thus) they with their Lords will end,  
Though oft they them like Tyrants did abuse,  
Whom as Ingrate their Dusts that day accuse.   

48  
E'er it we can call comed, that which is past,  
Charged with Corruption flowlie I pursue,  
Since without Hope to reach, though following fast,  
That which (like lightning) quickly escapes the view,  
I where I cannot walk, a compass cast,  
And must seek ways to common knowledge due,  
For Mortals ears my Muse tunes what she sings,  
With earthly Colours painting Heavenly things.   

49  
The last Deluge of universal Wrath,  
To wash the Earth defiled all with Sin,  
So to prolong their little puffs of Breath,  
High Mountains Tops both Sexes strived to win,  
But of access what Fort can frustrate death?  
Death did attend them there where they did run,  
With Pain and fear, choked, dashed, ere dying dead,  
Death doubled so was but more grievous made.   

50  
So when the flaming waves of wasting Fire,  
Over all the World do riotously rage's,  
Some to the Depths for safety shall retire,  
As Thetis kiss could Vulcan's Wrath assuage,  
But that Lieutenant of his Maker's Ire,  
Makes all the Elements strait bear his Badge,  
Scorched Earth being opened swallows Thousands down,  
Air thickened chokes with smoke, and Waters drown.   

51  
The halting Lemnian highly shall revenge  
The ancient Scorn of other equal Powers,  
Both strong and swift though lame (what Wonder strange)  
He in his Madness all the Rest devours,  
His Fierceness first his Mother toils to change,  
But having him embraced, she likewise lours,  
And with her Son doth furiously conspire,  
Strait from pure Air being All transformed in Fire.   

52  
This Heat with Horror may congeal all Hearts,  
Life's bellows tossed by Breath which still doth move,  
That Fan which doth refresh the inward Parts,  
Even it shall make the Breast a Furnace prove,  
That Sign of Life which oft arrives, and parts,  
Boils all within, else burns itself above,  
At that dread Day denouncing endless Night,  
All smoke, not breath, whilst Flames give only Light.   

53  
That stormy Tyrant which usurps the Air,  
Whilst wool reigned down from Heaven doth him enfold,  
A liquid Pillar hinging at each Hair,  
Sneezed fiercely forth when shaking all for Cold,  
He clad with Flames a fiery Leader their,  
Makes feeble Vulcan by his Aid more bold,  
Whose bellows fostered by the Others Blast,  
May soon forge Ruin, Instruments to waste.   

54  
The Lands Great Creature, Nursling of the East,  
Which joves extremely, and with Zeal adores,  
In Spirit and Nature both, above a Beast,  
Whilst charged with Men he through the Battle roars,  
And his armed Match (of Monsters not the least)  
Whose Scales defensive, Horn invasive gores,  
Whilst foaming Flames, as other to provoke,  
Strait joined in Dust, their Battle ends in Smoke.   

55  
The crafty Fox which Numbers doth deceive,  
To get, not be a Prey, shall be a Prey,  
The Embryos Enemy, women's that conceive,  
As who might give him Death, their Birth to stay,  
That ravenous Wolf which Blood would always have,  
All then a Thought more quickly shall decay,  
No Strength then stands, such Weakness went before,  
Nor yet base 'Slight, mere Foolishness and more.   

56  
The Hart whose Horns (as Greatness is to all)  
Do seem to grace, are Burdens to his Head,  
With swift (though slender Legs) when Wounds appall,  
Which cures himself where Nature doth him lead,  
And with great Eyes, weak Heart, oft Dangers Thrall,  
The wary Hare whose Fear oft Sport hath made,  
Do seek by Swiftness Death in vain to shun,  
As if a Flight of Flames could be outrun.   

57  
The painted Panther which not feared doth gore,  
Like some whose beauteous Face foul Minds defame,  
The Tiger Tigrish, past expressing more,  
Since cruelty is noted by his Name,  
The able Ounce, strong Bear, and fooming Boar,  
(Man's Rebels since GOD did Man his proclaim)  
Though fierce all faint and know not where to turn,  
They see their old Refuge, the Forests burn.   

58  
The mildest Beasts importing greatest gain,  
Which others Crimes made Altars only touch,  
By whom they cloth, and feed, not crying slain,  
The Christians Image, only true when such,  
Their growing Snows which Arts frail Colours stain,  
Was wronged when feigned of Gold, since worth more much,  
But precious things the Owners Harms oft breed,  
The Fleeces Flames the Bodies do succeed.   

59  
The Flocks for Profit used in every Part,  
Though them to serve they make their Master's bow,  
And are the Idols of a greedy heart,  
Which (as old Egypt) doth adore a Cow,  
Like Hannibal's which Fabius mocked by Art,  
As walking Torches, all run madding now,  
By Phoebus tickled they to startle used,  
But Vulcan ruder makes them rage's confused.   

60  
Their Martial Cheiftan Mastiffs Rage to stay,  
Pasiphaes' Lover, Venus' daily Slave,  
With brandished Horns as mustering first doth stray,  
Then throws them down in Guard a Match to crave,  
Strait [like the Colchian Bulls ere jasons Prey]  
He Flames not feigned doth breath, but not to brave.  
Like that of Phalaris whom one did fill,  
He tortured bellowing doth lie bullering still.   

61  
Of all the Beasts by Men domestic made,  
The most obsequious, and obedient still,  
The fawning Dog which where we list we lead,  
And wants but Words to do all which we will,  
Which loves his Lord extremely even when dead,  
And on his Tomb for Grief himself doth kill,  
He then with Tongue stretched forth doth panting rin,  
Which strait when fired drawn back burns all within.   

62  
The generous Horse the Gallants greatest Friend,  
In Peace for Show, and in effect for War,  
Which to his Lord (when weary) Legs doth lend,  
To fly, or chase, in Sport, or earnest far,  
A Pegasus he through the Air would bend,  
Till that his Course (turned Centaur) Man doth mar,  
His waving Treasures fired to fly from Death,  
He first the wind outruns, and then his Breath.   

63  
This squadrons King that doth for Fight prepare,  
As if he wracked the World doth raging go,  
His Foot doth beat the Earth, tail whips the Air,  
Mad to be hurt, and yet not find a Foe,  
But soon his Shoulders rough the Fire makes bare,  
And melts his Strength which was admired so,  
Death doth to Rest arrest his rolling Eyes,  
Lo in a little Dust the Lion lies.   

64  
Those Poisonous Troops in Africks' Fields which stray,  
In Death all fertile, as the first began,  
By Look, by Touch, by Wound and every Way,  
True Serpents Heirs in Hatred unto Man,  
Which GOD (still good) in Deserts makes to stay,  
To waste the World still doing what they can,  
But whilst they howl, screech, bark, bray, hurl, hiss, spout,  
Their inward Fire soon meets with that without.   

65  
The Crocodile with running Depths in Love,  
By Land and Water, of Tyrannic power,  
With upmost jaws which (and none else) do move,  
Whose Cleansing first is sweet, oft after sour,  
And while his Crime his Punishment doth prove,  
Whilst a devouring Bait trained to devour,  
He neither now can fight, nor yet retire,  
His scaly Armour is no Proof of Fire.   

66  
The Beast (though haunting Depths) not there confined,  
Whose Hairs as precious deck each Great Man's Head,  
Before like Eagles, Goose's like behind,  
Whose Feet (as Oars) to manage Streams are made,  
To waste the liquid Ways not needing Wind,  
Whose Tail his Course doth as a Rudder lead,  
A Spark fallen from a Tree may then confound  
Him with his Teeth that now strikes Trees to Ground.   

67  
The Otter black where sinne-winged troops repair,  
Fresh rivers Robber which his prey doth choose,  
And all that kind, nor Fish nor Flesh which are  
But do two Elements (Amphibions) use,  
Not able to touch Earth, nor to draw Air,  
In Waters they their kindled Skins infuse,  
But yet refuge can find in neither Soil,  
They burn on Earth, and in the Depths do boil.   

68  
Floods seemed to groan which beasts Incursion maims,  
All altered then which looked of late like Glass,  
And murmur at the flaming of their streams,  
By Carcases flot-flotting in a Mass,  
A moving Bridge whilst every Channel frames,  
When as there are no Passengers to pass,  
With Beasts all buried Waters are pressed down,  
Whilst both at once their Burdens burn and drown▪   

69  
The crystals quick which slowly used to go,  
And others Heat by coldness did allay,  
(As if being grieved to be polluted so)  
Grown red with rage, boiled up, pop-popling stay,  
And tread in Triumph on their breathless Foe,  
Whoses Ashes with their Sands they level lay,  
But Vulcan now a Victor in each place,  
By Violence doth all their Nymphs embrace.   

70  
The Dwellers of the Depths not harmed in aught,  
When first Vice all, and next the Waters drowned,  
So since by some more sacred still are thought,  
As whom sins Scourge did only not confound,  
The Elements not pure to purge being brought,  
They likewise fall, killed by this general Wound,  
The Fishes sodden are in every Flood,  
Yet find no Eaters though a callour Food.   

71  
All which Corruption only serves to feed,  
When it doth end, doth end, so Heaven designs,  
Nought save the Soul which doth from GOD proceed,  
Over death triumphs, and still is pleased, else pines,  
Death nor man's Essence, but his Sin did breed,  
And it with it, the end of Time confines,  
Then Death and Life shall never meet again,  
The State then taken always doth remain.   

72  
Salt Seas, fresh Streams, the Fish which loves to change,  
The rivers Prince esteemed by dainty Tastes,  
Which through the Ocean though he yearly range,  
The bounds him bred to see yet yearly hastes,  
(Ah Man whiles wants, O Monster more than strange,  
This kind Affection common unto Beasts)  
That Salmon fresh for which so many strive,  
May then be had, boiled where it lived alive.   

73  
The Trout, the Eel, and all that Watery Brood,  
Which without Feet, or Wings can make much Way,  
Then leap aloft forced by the raging Flood,  
Not as they used before, for sport, or prey,  
That which whiles freezed their Glass to gaze in stood,  
Now (turned to flames) makes what it bred decay,  
Those which to take Men did all Snares allow,  
All without Baits▪ or Nets are taken now.   

74  
Those Floods which first did Fields with Streams array,  
The Rivers four by sacred Writ made known,  
Which (since far sundry) makes their Wits to stray,  
Who Paradise drawn by their Dreams have shown,  
As turned from it, or it from them away  
In all the Earth their strength shall be ou'r-thrown,  
Whom first high Pleasures, Horrors huge last bound,  
(As if for Grief) they vanish from the Ground.   

75  
The fertile Nilus never rashly moved,  
Which (aged in travel) many Country knows,  
Whose Inundation by the Labourer loved,  
As Barrenness or Plenty it foreshows,  
From diverse means (but doubtful all) is proved,  
Oft Nature's work all Reason's Power overthrows:  
The Ancients wondered not to find his Head,  
But it shall all invisible be made.   

76  
heavens Indignation seizing on all things,  
The greatest Waters languish in their Way,  
The little Brooks exhausted in their Springs,  
For Poverty can not their Tribute pay,  
Of Moisture spoiled the Earth craves Help, not brings,  
The Mighty thus left to themselves decay:  
Great powers composed make but of many one,  
Whose weakness shows itself when left alone.   

77  
That Flood whose Fame more great than Waters strayed,  
Whose Race like it more than their own would owe,  
Which from the Appennins oft gathering aid,  
Would those overthrow, who did the world ou'rthrow,  
Which though unstable only stable staid,  
In that great City where all else fell low,  
It which so long familiar was with Pame,  
Shall be dried up an unregarded stream.   

78  
The Shepherds Mirrors, all like Silver pure,  
Which curious Eyes delighted were to see,  
When flames from Heaven frail Beauties shall combure,  
No Creature then being from Confusion free,  
Even they shall grow more ugly and obscure,  
Then the infernal Floods are feigned to be,  
Of their long course there shall no sign remain,  
Worse than that Lake where Brimstone once did rain.   

79  
Whilst Thetis bent to court those Streams [as vain]  
That on themselves to gaze strive Time to win,  
And liquid Serpents winding through the Plain,  
(As if to sting the Earth oft gathered in)  
Seem to attend the remnant of their train,  
Them to out-go that nearer Ways would rin,  
Even in that Pomp surprysed dried are their Depths,  
Whose Widowed Beds scarce their impression keeps.   

80  
That Flood which doth his Name from Silver take,  
The Sealike Ebb, and others of the Indeses,  
Over which a Bridge Men by no means can make,  
Whilst One borne there [amazing stranger's Minds]  
On Straw or Reeds with one behind his Back  
Can cross them all both scorning Waves and Winds,  
Their empty Channels may be tread on dry,  
[Though paved with Pearls] then precious in no Eye.   

81  
The Great which change before they end their Race,  
Salt Floods, fresh Seas, by mutual Bands as past,  
Which siege the Seas and though repulsed a Space,  
Yet make a Breach, and enter at the last,  
Which from the Earth (which strives them to embrace)  
Whiles haste with speed, whiles do a compass cast,  
They then for Help in vain to Neptune rinne,  
By Vulcan ravished ere his Waves they win.   

82  
The raging Rampire which doth always move,  
Whose sloting Waves entrench the solid Round,  
And being by Titan's kiss drawn up above,  
From heavens alembic drop upon the Ground,  
Of Fruits and Plants the vital Blood to prove,  
And foster all that on the Earth are found,  
It likewise yields to the eternals Ire,  
Lo, all the Sea not serves to quench this Fire,   

83  
Yet did the Sea presage this threatened Ill,  
With ugly Roar ere that it arrived,  
As if contending all Hell's Fires to kill,  
By Violence to burst out through them drived,  
Which must make monstrous Sounds jar-jarring still,  
As Heat with Cold, with Moisture Dryness strived,  
When like the High, the Low, jove would thud, thud,  
Even as when Fires force Passage through a Cloud,   

84  
O what strange Sight not to be borne with Eyes!  
That Tennis-court where oft the Winds too bold,  
What still rebounded tossed unto the Skies,  
And to the Ground from thence have headlongs rolled,  
Doth now in raging Rounds, not Furrows rise,  
Then Hosts of Heat, as used to be of Cold,  
All Government the liquid State neglects,  
Whilst Neptune's Trident Vulcan's Hammer brecks.   

85  
When this huge Vessel doth to boil begin,  
What can it fill with Matter fit to purge?  
The Earth as else without, if thrown within,  
With all her Creatures kept but for a Scourge,  
To wash away the foulness of that Sin,  
Which on frail Flesh strong Nature oft doth urge,  
But ah my Thoughts are vain, this cannot be,  
Seas cleanse not Sin, Sin doth defile the Sea.   

86  
O foul Contagion spreading still to Death,  
What Pest most odious can with thee compare?  
Which being by Thoughts conceived, and borne with Breath,  
Do strait infect the Sea, the Earth the Air,  
Which damned in justice, and chastised in Wrath,  
Do show that GOD no Creatures Spots will spare?  
All Scourges must be scourged, and even the Fire,  
As being impure must feel Effects of Ire.   

87  
That restless Element which never sleeps,  
But by itself, when by Nought else, is wrought,  
Which joins all Lands, yet them asunder keeps,  
It ruins Rock for last Refuge is sought.  
Huge Troops do throw themselves amidst the Deeps,  
As if Death reft, then given, less Grief were thought,  
Thus is Despair hot Son of Father cold,  
Rash without Hope, and without Courage bold.   

88  
The loving Altion trusty to her Mate,  
The which (save this) no other Storm could catch,  
Whose Ark not errs amidst the going Gate,  
Though none in it with Art the Waves doth watch,  
To many Monsters, as exposed a Bait,  
Which moving sits, and in the Depths doth hatch,  
She of her Nest against the Waves presumes,  
But never looked for Fire which all consumes.   

89  
The greatest Monster of the Ocean's Brood,  
Which lodged grieved Jonas harmless in his Womb,  
And did digest (yet to be fed) a Food,  
A buried quick Man in a living Tomb,  
He like a tumbling Tower at first runs wood,  
With Force, by Force disdaining to succumb,  
But strait his Fumes being fired a far do shine,  
As if some Pharos, but a deathful Sign.   

90  
That little Wonder decking Thetis Bower,  
Whose adamantine Touch there strongly binds,  
(Though both it sail and swim,) a wooden Tower,  
For which Man's Wit no Show of Reason finds,  
O matchless Virtue, admirable Power,  
Which fights and foils alone, sails, Oars, Waves, Winds,  
Of all which live it that most Strength hath shown,  
Pressed down by vulgar Bands doth die unknown.   

91  
That moving Mountain in a fearful Form,  
Which compassing a Ship, it downwards flings,  
And even in calms doth vomit forth a Storm,  
Whose Blood (all Poison) where it touches stings,  
That monstrous Mass, if Serpent, Eel or Worm,  
To hasty Ruin his own Greatness brings:  
The Greatest sought for harm are soon spied,  
Where little Ones a little thing will hide.   

92  
Of all the humid Host the most esteemed,  
The gentle Dolphins which the Depths decore,  
Which not ingrate who them redeemed, redeemed,  
Him helped alive, and did when dead deplore,  
Of which one once with Music ravished seemed,  
When carrying safe Arion to the Shore,  
Those which delight so much in pleasant Sounds,  
The contrary preventing Fire confounds.   

93  
The fairest Nymph which haunts the sloting State,  
To whose great Beauty Thetis Envy bears,  
The Ocean's Muse from whose sweet Sounds [Souls bate]  
The Lord of Ithaca did stop his Ears,  
Of what she was most proud, that hastes her Fate,  
The golden Hairs which she disheveled wears,  
Then whilst they burn her Head seems crowned with Light,  
Thus Shows mask Misery, and mock the Sight.   

94  
Those which from 'Slight, by 'Slight their Lives oft win,  
The Angler drawing scorned lives to Land,  
Whilst some do cast forth Hooks, some draw them in,  
And some benumb the gazing Holder's Hand,  
They can find Help in neither Force, nor Fin,  
In Scale, on Shell, in Rock, in Mud, or Sand,  
Whilst Triton's Sounds the broken Air not bears,  
A louder Trumpets Charge doth breach all Ears.   

95  
The sloting Lodgings which all Soils do try,  
Which whilst they walk on Waves, and burdened Stray,  
Seem swimming Mountains, Castles which do fly,  
Which Canons arm and Ensigns do array,  
At first for Smoke they Nought about them spy,  
Till all their Sails on fire do clear their Way,  
Whilst Floods, and Flames, do all their Force employ,  
As if they strived which should the Ship destroy.   

96  
The liquid Labrinth thou who first did prove,  
No doubt thy desperate heart was armed with Steel,  
Did not the Waves, and Clouds, which always move,  
[Firm Objects wanting] make thy Eyes to reel?  
Then he who first did steal Fire from above,  
Thou greater Torments dost deserve to feel,  
He only sought the Fire to quicken Breath,  
And thou the Water as a Way to Death.   

97  
O odious Monster since the World began,  
Which with thine own could never yet be pleased,  
For Lack of Raiment cold, for Hunger won,  
With what thou hast though many might be eased,  
Thou poisoned first the quiet Mind of Man,  
Whose Fury since can never be appeased,  
But seeks both Sea and Land with endless Care,  
And wants but Wings to violate the Air,   

98  
That which enchroaced on every bordering Shore,  
By oft renewed Assaults usurping Miles,  
Shall then all ebb, not flowing as before,  
Whilst traveling Thetis doth bring forth new Isles,  
Which Birth soon old, to be embraced no more,  
She loath to leave oft turns, and kisses whiles,  
Till all the World one withered Mass appears,  
spoiled of all Moisture, save Man's fruitless Tears.   

99  
What hideous object? what a horrid Sight?  
O Terror strange which even I quake to think!  
Where all of late was level at one height,  
Their mountains mount and Fields far down do sink,  
All paved with Monsters, which if painting right,  
Fear would make paper black and pale my Ink,  
The Seas with Horror so arrest my Hand,  
I must amazed retire me to the Land.   

100  
The Land where Pleasure lodged, where Rest did rest,  
Which did abound in Fruits, in Fowls and Beasts,  
Of which (all good) none can discern the best,  
In number more (though many) than men's Tastes  
Made to refresh frail Nature when distressed,  
Though them fond Man superfluously wastes,  
Till that the Earth doth to a CHAOS turn,  
Which since his Tears not wash his Sins shall burn.   

101  
Where are the flowery Fields, the fishie Streams,  
The pasturing Mountains, and the fertile Plains,  
With Shadows whiles, whiles clad with Titan's Beams,  
As of heavens Pleasure's Types, and of Hell's pains?  
[Thus in our Breast some thoughts each Moment claims,  
To curb rash joy with Contemplations rains]  
Where are all those Delights in league with Sense,  
Which make a Heaven when here, a Hell when hence?   

102  
Thou who thy Thoughts from no fond course reclaims,  
But dost thy Eyes with pleasant objects cloy,  
And lettest thy Heart have all at which it aims,  
Bend of the Sons of Men to want no joy,  
Those to thy sleeping Soul are all but dreams,  
Which waking finds this Treasure but a toy,  
Think, think, when all confounded thus remains,  
If temporal joy be worth eternal pains,   

103  
Those stately Towns whose Towers did brave heavens rounds,  
Their kingdoms quintessence for Wealth, and Skill,  
A State's abridgement drawn in little bounds,  
Which are▪ (whilst them Guests of all Lands do fill)  
Maps of the World, deduced from diverse Grounds,  
Where all Lives parts are acted, both good and ill,  
Which barbarous customs founded to remove,  
Most civil first, most subtle last did prove.   

104  
Those which great monarchs strongly stryued to owe,  
(As which oft-times a kingdoms Keys do prove)  
By Minds like Earthquakes shaken from below,  
By Sulphurous Thunder battered from above,  
Yet (as ou'r-thrown) them hopeless to ou'rthrow,  
With scorned Squadrouns did disdained remove,  
Those which at Powers of armed Emperors spurned,  
Are at an instant then charged, sacked, and burned.   

105  
Brave Citizens which have resisted long,  
Till their dismantled Town all naked stands,  
And are by Weakness left unto the Strong,  
All taken, killed, or sold like Beasts in Bands,  
As bound of Right to suffer all the Wrong,  
Of railing Tongues or of outrageous Hands,  
They of this last assault no Type can see,  
Even Worse than was, or can imagined be.   

106  
Ah! if one House when only fired by chance,  
Doth strait confound a City all with fear,  
What high Conceit with curious Thoughts can scance  
How those Inhabitants themselves shall bear,  
Whose Towns (like Lightning) vanish with a glance,  
And all to Ashes in a moment wear?  
This with amazement may benumb the Mind,  
But seem no less, a greater being divined.   

107  
Base Miser thou who by all means hast used,  
To bruise the Poor and on their Spoils to feed,  
In Measure, Weight, and quality abused,  
Whilst of all Evils Dearth is the least they dread,  
That Wealth by thee even to thyself refused,  
Which might of thousands have relieved the need,  
Shall all in flames upbraid thee with Hell's Fire,  
Whose use then at thy hands GOD will require.   

108  
Thou who to Richesses wast preferred from nought,  
Though once being poor, contemned, of base degree,  
For whom at length all Realms by Ships were sought,  
So that no Wind could blow but serving thee,  
Yet would not comfort those who starved in aught,  
Not mindful what thou wast, nor what to be,  
As naked borne, thou naked shall return,  
Else kept to see thy Wealth thyself next burn.   

109  
Those stately Statues which Great Towns do grace,  
And Monuments whose rareness Minds amaze,  
The Worlds seven Wonders wondered at a space,  
Whilst Strangers long did on their Relics gaze,  
If that ere then Time do them not deface,  
A little Flash shall even their Ruins raze,  
Which only serve to witness to each Sight,  
Their idle Builders, Vanity and Might.   

110  
Those Palaces amongst rare things enrolled,  
Which Architectours Nombrous Art bewray,  
On interlaced Roofs embossed with Gold,  
On marbted Walls which costly Works array,  
Though rich without, yet worthy but to hold  
A richer Richesses which within doth stay,  
Past Emulation Admirations Mark,  
All their great Pomp doth perish with a Spark.   

111  
Those secoud eden's, Gardens of delight,  
Where Times bright Patron justly parts the Hours,  
Where men to gaze all objects do invite,  
In always lying walks, and growing Bowers,  
In smelling Beds with Pleasure ravished quite,  
Whilst wandering in a Labyrinth of Flowers,  
Where Art with Nature still for Praise contends,  
A strife though oft-times judged, which never ends.   

112  
Where Flora's Treasures with Pomonaes' strives,  
Low shining groves with shadowed lights above,  
Whilst Art by engines raised the Water drives  
Borne through the Air an uncouth Way to prove,  
And by all sounds which Creatures can contrive,  
To melt in Mirth Melancholy would move,  
Those pleasant parts shall strait abhorred remain,  
As where Salt sown or Showers of Brimstone rain.   

113  
Those walking Worms which with worms Spoils arrayed,  
Would purchase Homage from each credulons Eye,  
And yet as (Asses) worth an Ass not weighed,  
Whilst having nought of worth but what they buy,  
They shall see that which see their Fancies swayed,  
The Tyrian Purple, and Assyrian Dye,  
Of Pride the Badges, and the Baits of Lust,  
Though kept with Toil from Dust, all turned to Dust.   

114  
Those glorious Rooms of Darkness robbing Night.  
Where even the Walls rich Garments do invest,  
Where Ivory Beds with Gold all glancing bright,  
Are made for Show, as others are for Rest,  
And objects need to entertain the Sight,  
Which lodge (since great) a seldom sleeping Guest,  
Now at this last alarm to them who live,  
They then a Cottage no more Comfort give.   

115  
Those precious Stones which most in Worth excel,  
For Virtue whiles, for Vanity oft sought,  
Pearls, Rubies, Diamonds, from Rock, from Shell,  
From Depths of Floods, from mountains Entrails brought,  
Made Gods with Men whose Heaven is hatching Hell,  
Prized by Opinion, but by Substance bought,  
The sweet Perfumes, and all which is esteemed,  
Wast (by the Owners Wish) not once redeemed,   

116  
That dreadful Storm as striving to begin,  
Mount Aetnaes' Flames, which roar while as suppressed,  
And that which swallowing Nature's Student in  
Did him digest who could it not digest,  
And all those Hills whence Streams of Sulphur rin,  
Shall with their Fires then fortify the Rest,  
Whose general Flood whilst it the World ou'rcomes,  
None knows where kindled first, nor whence it comes.   

117  
The lucrous Coal (though black) a precious Stone,  
Whose Force as Vulcan will, makes Mars to bend,  
Of Albion's jewels second unto none,  
To Art and Nature both a special Friend,  
Then when of it the needful Use is gone,  
What it maintained it likewise helps to end,  
And thus the Earth (though cold) with Fire being stored,  
To burn itself Materials doth afford.   

118  
Those bathing Springs which free Physicians prove,  
Yet for all Evils One only Cure can show,  
The which may seem whilst boiling up above,  
A Part of Phlegeton ou'rflowed below,  
But for Man's Health Nought can from thence remove,  
Where he doth dwell who could the World ou'rthrow,  
Whom then to warn their Course to Hell repairs,  
Or else a greater Heat doth drink up theirs.   

119  
Great monarchs whom Ambitious Hopes do drive,  
To raise their own by razing Others Thrones,  
Who spare no Ways that there they may arrive,  
Through Orphan's Tears, Man's Blood, & women's Groans,  
And all those earthly Minds which for Earth strive,  
By passing Bounds, and altering settled Stones,  
All such that Day not Lords of their own Grave,  
They than no Earth, nor them no Earth shall have.   

120  
The Earth as glorying in her changed State,  
With Face all bright with Flames seems Lightning smiles,  
Whilst free from Wounds, and Toils, endured of late,  
All burned with Heat, with Cold all frozen whiles,  
Though forced she must conceive (a fertile Mate)  
Her Husband's Hopes she oftentimes beguiles,  
And as she would revenge all Troubles past,  
She yields up Man whom she had hid at last.   

121  
That Element which only needing Aid,  
May be made more, and doth on others feed,  
Whose piercing Powers can in no Bounds be staid,  
Such Bodies small that thickened Rareness breed,  
The only Essence which can not be weighed,  
And void of Weight, doth always upward speed,  
That soon may seize on all when once set free,  
Which infinitely multiplied may be.   

122  
But lest my Fury be too far declined,  
That with the Flames to fly have strived in vain,  
I must a while within myself confined  
Fresh succour seek to charge of new again,  
So great Amazement hath ou'rwhelmed my Mind,  
That now I in an Agony remain,  
But he who did in fiery Tongues descend,  
As through the Fire will lead me to the End.    

DOOMSDAY, OR, THE GREAT DAY OF THE LORDS JUDGEMENT.  
The fourth Hour.  
THE ARGUMENT.  
A Hideous Trumpet horribly doth sound,  
Who sleep in Graves a mighty Voice doth wake,  
By Angels (Messengers) charged from each ground,  
All Flesh comes forth that ever Soul did take:  
Seas give Account of all whom they have drowned,  
The Earth her Guests long hid in Haste gives back,  
Those who then live are at an Instant changed,  
So from Life never, still from Death estranged.  

1  
SO great a Power my sacred Guide imparts,  
That still my Muse doth raise her venturous flight,  
Though with Confusion compassed on all Parts,  
My troubled Thoughts dare on no Object light,  
The World by Flames (a Charmer) justly smarts.  
Whose Ashes now seem to upbraid my Sight,  
Though Fears would quench those Fires my Breast which burn▪  
Yet I must sing, that Thousands else may mourn.   

2  
To plague proud Man who looked so late aloft,  
The Earth still pure till made by him unclean,  
By whom whiles fierce for Blood, by Lust whiles soft,  
She [forced to bear] in both abused had been,  
Strait as a Strumpet Prostituted oft,  
Now by her lovers naked shall be seen,  
An odious Mass [even in her Owners Eyes]  
As bruised by Thunder whilst she withered lies.   

3  
Now of all States the fatal Period comes,  
To stay who stumble on this slippery Ball,  
Fierce Vulcan's Fury Neptune so ou'rcomes,  
That not one Drop remains to weep his Fall,  
Lo all the World one Continent becomes,  
Whereas save Man no Creature lives at all,  
The Sea to Earth, the Earth all turns to Fire.  
A monstrous Comet threatening coming Ire.   

4  
O what a Vault I see of Angels Wings!  
Whose greater Brightness makes the Fires decline,  
A glorious Guard fit for the KING of Kings,  
Whilst they like Rays about that Sun do shine,  
But O his presence (past expressing) brings  
A real Glory all in All divine,  
All as from Darkness look upon this Light,  
Whilst flames (as mists) do vanish at his Sight.   

5  
Those blessed Bands in state of Grace which stood,  
As Ministers admitted unto GOD,  
Which whiles told Mortals Tidings which were good,  
And whiles did strike with Indignations Rod,  
They who till comed this time not understood,  
With CHRIST arise all ready at his Nod,  
And free from Envy which did mar their Mates,  
Do seek with joy the Partners of their States.   

6  
The dregs of Adam's Race shall soon disclose  
What GOD'S Decree involved in Clouds doth keep,  
That Time, that Time, which must confound all those,  
Whose Thoughts are plunged in Pleasures groundless Deep.  
Even then perchance that Nature may repose,  
When all the Senses buried are in sleep,  
Ah how those Eyes unclosed amazed remain,  
Which from that Time should never close again▪   

7  
O ten times cursed whom CHRIST that time shall find,  
Still hatching Evil, defrauding Nature's due,  
Whilst Darkness mocks the Eyes (though open) blind,  
And makes the Mind what it affects to view,  
Which winged with thoughts far swifter than the Wind▪  
Though still confined doth all over All pursue,  
What doubtful projects slot within his Breast,  
Who dreams yet sleeps not, lies but doth not rest?   

8  
When that crowned Bird which Peter Brags did scorn,  
(As still a Friend to Light) seems to cite light,  
Some more conceive then ever could be borne,  
Whilst big with Monsters of imagined might,  
And Airy Names with Shadows to adorn,  
Do build high Hopes which fall ere at the height,  
Such bosoms Serpent's nurse whose stings they try,  
Pride, Emulation, jealousy, Enuy.   

9  
As pricked with Thorns some in their Beds do roll,  
Whilst charged with thoughts which but their Cares abuse,  
And make that metal Idol of their Soul,  
Which in a Calf the jews great judge did bruise,  
Their greedy Course whilst nothing can control,  
Though having more than they themselves can use,  
Like them who drink more than they can digest,  
Who keep the Appetite but not the Taste.   

10  
The Devil in darkness being most powerful still,  
Some when retired imagine mischief strange,  
And to shed blood do dedicat their Will,  
Whilst tortured with a Fury of revenge,  
More guilty he who in his Heart doth kill,  
Although his Course being disappointed change,  
Then he who doth by Chance ones Death procure,  
No Member guilty is, the Mind being pure,   

11  
Though Beds should be as private Graves for rest,  
While as of Death the Image buries dust,  
Yet some run-mad as raging in a Pest,  
Voluptuouslie their Fancies surfeit must,  
A filthy Fury poisoning the Breast,  
With strange Delights of a prodigious Lust,  
The which whilst waking so corrupts their Will,  
That when they sleep it doth delude them still.   

12  
Not only shall this sudden Charge surprise,  
Such in such Sins which do from GOD rebel,  
But even all those who evils by Night devise,  
And loving Darkness shall in Darkness dwell,  
Who with a Conscience calm all Fears despise,  
As (when that Cerberus slept) they might take Hell,  
Such to an Owl make GOD inferior be,  
As if by Night, Night's Maker nought could see.   

13  
Wing'd Messengers may then even some arrest,  
Who rioting till quite exhausted all,  
[Whilst in their Vomits wallowing they rest]  
From Men to Beasts, from Beasts to nought do fall,  
Those dead (though living) who can but detest,  
As Nature's Monsters Mankind to appall?  
In them who have their Reason drowned in Wine,  
No Spark of GOD'S, nor Nature's Light doth shine.   

14  
Some rating Pleasure at too high a price▪  
Who with the Light do lay all Shame aside,  
Do prostitute their Souls to every Vice,  
If not then free (by beastliness) from Pride,  
Then their whole States oft venture on the Dice,  
As who in nought but Fortune do confide,  
By many odious Oath then mock GOD'S Might,  
True works of Darkness worthy of the Night.   

15  
Fond Worldlings there involved in vain Delight,  
Who to the Senses frail indulgent are,  
And as soft Sounds the Courage do invite,  
With measured Madness march upon the Air,  
Whilst from themselves by Pleasure ravished quite  
What it provokes no kind of sport they spare,  
Their Ears attending Musics soul to have,  
Of this dread Blast the first assault receive.   

16  
By Stratagems a Captain boldly wise,  
His Enemy's Camp (not looked for) whiles confounds,  
But when he first doth Sentinels surprise,  
That all about the Neighbouring Bounds rebounds,  
In Breasts unarmed what Terror strange doth rise,  
Whilst Drums yield deadly, Trumpets lively Sounds,  
Whilst shouts make deaf, Amazement dumb, Dust blind,  
Ere Swords the Body, fear doth kill the Mind.   

17  
So shall it be with all those broken Bands,  
(As for the Godly they watch still prepared)  
Then when Lives LORD doth come to judge all Lands,  
Like Fishes angled, or like Beasts ensnared,  
Those whom Hell's Badge for endless Darkness brands,  
Not having Power to wish, are strait despared,  
And soon do see what now they not attend,  
Ere thought by them begun, all at an end.   

18  
What hideous Charge all to compear compels,  
Whose sound may show what Breath the Blast doth feed?  
No Canons, Thunders, Tempests, Trumpets, Bells,  
Nor yet all joined so huge a Noise could breed,  
Since heard in Heaven, on Earth, and in the Hells,  
Till dreadful Silence doth over all succeed,  
The hearkening World seems all become one Ear,  
The Grave gives place, the Dead His Voice do hear,   

19  
All you who on, or in the dull do lodge,  
A Great-great Court I cite you to attend,  
Even at CHRIST'S Instance where himself is judge,  
To hear that sentence which none can suspend,  
Of boundless joys, or else of Anguish huge,  
Which he designed, and you deserved in end,  
What from his servants mouth none would conceive,  
Hear from himself, even what doch damn, or save.   

20  
Pass, pass, swift Angels over all quarters range,  
Force all to rise who ever down did lie,  
What in their Essence Elements did change,  
Bid them restore, that CHRIST all flesh may spy,  
You are the gatherers, this that Vintage strange,  
Which in all Souls what Stuffe hath been must try:  
Twixt Heaven and Hell this is a judgement great,  
To judge each one their own Contentions date.   

21  
The Word them gives by which they thus are sought,  
Power to obey, else were the charge but vain,  
That Word which first did make them all of nought,  
May now of some thing make them soon again,  
Past numbering Numbers are together brought,  
That some may think what Bounds can them contain▪  
Who makes the Dead to rise at his Decree,  
May make a Room where they may marshalled be.   

22  
The Heavenly Souls which with frail Bodies bound,  
Did act together on this earthly Stage,  
Though subtill-they oft diverse Depths did sound,  
In which gross Organs could not then engage,  
Yet in all Actions equal Partners found,  
By Reason led, or headlong borne by Rage,  
Though once divorced, they marry must again,  
To join in joy, or in eternal Pain.   

23  
Those heavenly Sparks which are flown up above▪  
To shine in Glory, and in Zeal to burn,  
And shall of Pleasure the Perfection prove,  
With mortal Veils which masked of late did mourn,  
They from their Place a Moment must remove,  
With CHRIST in Triumph glorious to return,  
Their twise-borne Bodies when put on they have,  
First from the Belly, last now from the Grave.   

24  
Those gather up their Garments from the Dust,  
Which prisoned are in Pluto's ugly Cells,  
Though loath to part thence, where return they must,  
Since by their Conscience being committed else,  
They know their judge as terrible, as just,  
Will but confirm their holding of the Helles,  
Yet all their Process must deduced be,  
That Saints GOD'S justice, and their Faults may see.   

25  
Four Elements with four Complexions make,  
This mortal Mass soon raised, and soon overthrown,  
And when that it turns to Corruption back,  
With what accrest each doth crave back the own,  
The Waters all the liquid Substance take,  
Air Breath, Fire active Heat, Earth Earth well known,  
Which all though thus in their first Fountains drowned,  
Not take nor leave, but are the same still found,   

26  
The LORD doth not (which some would fond doubt)  
As once in EDEN a Creation use,  
As if the first consumed were all worn out,  
That he not knows their Substance where to choose,  
No, these same Bodies which we bear about,  
The LORD will raise, and clear, or else accuse,  
When done by GOD then Wonders are not strange,  
The Quality, and nothing else doth change.   

27  
Of our frail Spoils each Part where made a Prey,  
Who over our Dust doth watch will strait require,  
That which the Waters washed have away,  
What was in Flames exhausted by the Fire,  
That which (Winds scorn) tossed through the Air did stray,  
And what to Earth all rotten did retire,  
All at an Instant shall together rinne,  
To recontinue not again begin.   

28  
The Husband's Hopes which Ceres first renowned,  
Must buried rot, made less, to be made more,  
Yet wrestle up (though in the Earth still bound)  
In Form more pleasant, multiplied in Store:  
So shall our Dust though swallowed in the Ground,  
Spring from Corruption brighter than before,  
In Bodies new, whose State none can surmise,  
Laid mortal down, but must immortal rise.   

29  
Those creeping Creatures which with Silks conceive,  
Bred first of Seed their Food with Toils acquit,  
Than what they win must all to others leave,  
And lie stretched out wrapped up in Funeral white,  
Yet strait reviv'd, where buried burst the Grave,  
And mount aloft with Wings all altered quite,  
In Worms [Mens Types] those who do mark this Change,  
How can they think the Resurrection strange?   

30  
As Man like Milk was at the first poured out,  
Then strait like Cheese turned all to Cruds at once,  
Till clad with Skin his Sex being free from Doubt,  
With Sinews joined, and fortified with Bones,  
When as the Moon hath changed thrice thrice about:  
He bursted forth, neglecting Mother's Groans,  
Though from him first as poor, fond, weak, Tears flow,  
Doth strait of GOD a talking Image grow:   

31  
So sown by Death where rests frail Mortals Seed,  
The Earth conceived shall to grow Big begin,  
And though at first a moving Mass doth breed,  
Shall stay from Travel till the Time forth rin,  
Whilst vital Moisture Ashes dry doth feed,  
That marrow Bones, Bones Flesh, Flesh takes on Skin,  
Till all at last being to Perfection worn,  
Graves are delivered, Mankind is new borne.   

32  
The spiritual Powers shall soon have repossessed  
Their ancient Rooms recognized by Grace,  
Which were [they thence by Nature's Rigour pressed]  
To Death by Sin mortgaged but for a Space,  
But now redeemed who had been thus distressed,  
All Members move, Power poured in every Place,  
What could corrupt all worn unto an End,  
They spiritual Bodies, bodied Spirits ascend.   

33  
Then shall not Weakness passing each Degree,  
A Progress have Perfection to attain,  
But from Infirmity made freely free,  
They Shape, Proportion, Strength and Knowledge gain,  
All Qualities at once accomplished be,  
That to augment there nothing doth remain,  
The first and second Birth do differ far,  
First Men were made, now raised, then grew, now are,   

34  
Some Gentiles fond who from the Truth did stray,  
When by Apostles told did scorn this once,  
Yet trusted Grounds which vain Inventions lay,  
By fabulous Doctrine Learned, and Fools at once,  
That by Prometheus' Men were made of Clay,  
And by Deucalion quickened out of Stones,  
Thus had their Souls to see the Truth no Eyes,  
Who loath the Light GOD gives them over to Lies.   

35  
Great Army oft as if one Body move,  
Whose Souls it seems the Trumpets Sound doth sway,  
So when this Charge is thundered from above,  
One Moment makes who were, or are, obey,  
O strange Alarm! what must this meeting prove?  
Where Ruin only hath prepared the Way?  
All known when mustered (though not numbered) th'air  
A dreadful Censor no Man's Spot will spare.   

36  
Those which the Depths digested did contain,  
As bend to drink those who them oft did drink,  
To Heaven exhaled, though stilled through Fruits by Rain,  
That dainty Tastes more delicate them think,  
Their Trunks drawn down when once thrown up again,  
Though dead, and buried move, not swim, nor sink,  
A Death which Drunkards do deserve to have,  
To lie with Liquor in a liquid Grave.   

37  
With Kisses cold of Thetis choked of late,  
Who her three Mates fallen in her Bosom leave,  
Some Winds, and Waves, against each Rock do beat,  
Till them for Food the scaillie Troops receive,  
That Fishes Men, Men may those Fishes eat,  
Changed Quality, and Form, whose Flesh may have,  
Man's Substance it may transsubstantiat oft,  
But shall the same that first, mount last aloft.   

38  
Muse do not strive above thy Strength to mount,  
As Mortals Brains those Hosts could comprehend.  
Which not Seas Sands, nor yet Heavens Stars can count,  
Then whilst swarmed forth they Heavens high Court attend,  
All Faculties of Memory surmount,  
Being raised from Dust, more thick than Dust in End,  
But yet a Part most known by Fame designed,  
May leave a more Impression in the Mind.   

39  
The first great troop inunding from the Deeps,  
Which long have wandered with the watery Brood,  
Which glutted Neptune in his Caves did keep,  
When all his Guests were surfaited of Food,  
Are those amidst the roaring Waves who sleep,  
Since first they fell drowned by the general Flood  
Those who of GOD the threatenings still did scorn  
Till Death at once one Fleece over all had shorn,   

40  
What strange Deluge from that Deluge doth flow,  
Of Monstrons' People terrible to see?  
Whose Stature shows what time it had to grow,  
The Duarfes with them, with us would Giants be,  
Ere bended was the many-coloured Bow,  
All that had fallen rise from corruption free,  
Where raging Depths had justly lodged their Dust,  
Still drowned when dead who burned alive with Lust,   

41  
Thence comes the Tyrant who did sway the State,  
Where fertile Nilus mollifies the Mind,  
Whom [to confirm his own with Wonders great]  
GOD did obdure, and made by brightness blind,  
With guilded Slaves which flattering his conceit,  
The LORD to him would needs inferior find,  
Those all like him by his example made,  
As oft to sin he shall to judgement lead.   

42  
Mad Man to whom by wondrous Blows abroad,  
The Arm of GOD had justly Terror brought,  
Fool who had seen the proof of Aaron's Rod,  
What danger was thou might in time have thought,  
Whilst vain Magician's emulatiug GOD,  
The same in show but not in substance wrought,  
Vain Sophists to be mocked, but mock the Eyes,  
Truth, naked truth, Lies are though painted Lies.   

43  
What made thee doubt that he whom thou did spy,  
Turn Streams to Blood, might mix them with thy Blood?  
That he who made thy Lands first borne to die,  
Would save the lives of [his friend] Abraham's Brood,  
Where his might march he who the Depths did dry,  
That he would make them drown who him withstood?  
But those whom GOD will lose he makes them blind.  
Those headlong run who are for wrack designed,   

44  
Those who with haste the Hebrew Host pursued,  
Whose glancing Arms each Eye, shouts filled each Ear,  
Who lacked no stately show▪ which might when viewed,  
In them breed Courage, and in others fear,  
[The Troops by them contemned ere seen subdued]  
Who did themselves as if in Triumph bear,  
And spewing Blasphemy from Pride's low height,  
Even challenge durst the LORD of Hosts to fight.   

45  
Lo, from the Mud they now creep poorly out,  
As from a Prison which upbraids their Blame,  
And spoiled of all which compass them about,  
Rise naked up, yet kept by fear from shame,  
They hear heavens Trumpet horribly to shout,  
Which strait they think their Sentence will proclaim,  
And even great Pharo vile amidst his own,  
Can by no sign more than the rest be known.   

46  
What Fools then rise who never could be pleased,  
Though settled Owners of a fertile Ground?  
Where under them even Thousands were well eased,  
And then their Masters more contentment found,  
Whose traitorous Hopes still on new conquests seized,  
Till death did show how little might them bound,  
That as all Lands could but strict limits give,  
Last for the Seas [vast like their Minds] did strive,   

47  
Ah for Man's madness who enough can mourn,  
From whom still pure that there might rest no place,  
Who makes his rage even in the Depths to burn,  
And standing runs in walking woods his race,  
Makes Neptune's Azure all to purple turn,  
And fills with blood the wrinkles of his Face?  
What thirst of Mischief thus torments Man still,  
That it no Sea can quench nor Land can fill?   

48  
The Grecian Seas shall give those Bodies back,  
When floating Athens camped in Wooden Walls,  
Which Mountains, Plains, and Floods dry Fields would make,  
Scourged all the Winds, ranked Nature with their thralls,  
Which all conspyrd seem to procure their wrack,  
Both Sea and Land being famous by their falls,  
As if that King who could not count his Host,  
Had sought all means by which they might be lost.   

49  
All Salamina's Straits disgorge again,  
Those whom they swallowed and digested had,  
But broken Squadrons are restored in vain,  
Since with no Arms, no, with no Garment clad,  
Whilst both the parts then joined in one remain,  
Great is the Number, but the Cause is bad,  
Who strived for State, both as most abject bow,  
Greeks' and Barbarians no way differ now.   

50  
By this last Blast those do assemble all  
At diverse times who in the Depths fell dead,  
By him almost preventing Persias fall,  
Who the Greek Empire had abortive made,  
Who charged with Chains lay for his Father thrall,  
An Act more great than all his Hosts to lead:  
From Virtues hight this generous course did come,  
A Man most vicious Armies might overcome,   

51  
The last great Act which Athens did intend,  
It Thousands did defraud their funeral Right,  
Which did presage their Greatness near an end,  
Whose State then changed as having past the height,  
Those to pursue that then did Armies send,  
From that time forth, did for their confines fight,  
A mighty Town whose growing nought could stay,  
When comed to fail, doth whither soon away.   

52  
Their greatest Captain fond being removed,  
The other cold, procured what he divined,  
Who happy first, last most unhappy proved,  
Vain superstition vilified his Mind,  
But Siracusa yet to stand behooved,  
Whose ruin was for greater foes designed,  
And those by Sea to win more Land who strived,  
Drowned in the Sea were of all Land deprived.   

53  
Fair Sicily long still by great States being sought,  
As fertile Fields, weak owners did entice,  
The fatal Lists where Rome and Carthage fought,  
When all the World was made the Victors prise,  
Thy bounds (oft bathed with Blood) was dearly bought,  
Which Strangers still, else Tyrants did surprise,  
Thy Sea the Stage where Death oft acted with Wounds,  
Must muster many when the Trumpet sounds.   

54  
Erst Athens, Pyrrhus, Carthage, Rome, in Ire,  
(Their hungry Hopes whilst Ceres filled with Dreams)  
To daunt that People proudly did aspire,  
Not fearing Scylla nor Charibdis' Streams,  
Nor thundering Aetna vomiting forth Fire,  
Nor Vulcan's Forge, nor monstrous Giants Names,  
No, Pluto's self who wedded in those Fields,  
His conquered Hells to greedy men he yields.   

55  
Those whose great Valour did so honour Wrong,  
That each eternal Pen, it yet renowns,  
Who Rivals lived in love of Glory long,  
And though but Cities did dispose of Crowns,  
Those two by Sea did strive who was most strong,  
As all the Earth could not contain two Towns,  
Each State the World less than itself contrives,  
A just Proportion Ruin only gives.   

56  
That haughty Race which Kings in Triumph led,  
(All not being pleased with parting of the Spoils)  
That Fishes might as well as Beasts be fed,  
(The Land else glutted by their guilty Broils)  
They on the Sea a Sea of Blood did shed,  
Which (washed by Waves away) might foil their Soils,  
That them to plague no Fury Place could find,  
All Objects razed which might upbraid the Mind.   

57  
A spacious Field the Waters did afford,  
Where floating Armies might their Forces try,  
When free Men fight who should be their Lord,  
With too much Valour did their Bondage buy,  
Whilst AEolus did rage, and Neptune roared,  
More cruel Creatures than Themselves to spy:  
Men of all else which this large Circuit fill,  
Most subtle are, and violent in iii.   

58  
From liquid Fields where Carcases are rife,  
Now with his Troop Volteius Passage finds,  
Who were more bold, then fortunate in Strife,  
And dying did triumph over Foes, Waves, Winds,  
Of Fame too greedy, prodigal of Life,  
As those whose Souls were Strangers to their Minds,  
Who lose their own, to gain from others Breath,  
Life by Opinion seek, for certain Death,   

59  
When Father, Son, and Brother bound in Law,  
Did pledge their Lives who only should be free,  
Pale Neptune once at Actium wondering saw  
His Crystal Walks all as congealed in Tree,  
Which from their kingdoms diverse Kings did draw,  
To know whose Slaves they were ordained to be,  
As both [till cleared) from what they craved would stand,  
Two on the Sea did fight for all the Land.   

60  
To lose their Own or others Ships to win,  
When lofty Legions did a Purpose take,  
Of Winds, Waves, Arms, Oars, Sounds, Shouts, blows, the din  
Gave bold men Courage, made the Cowards quake,  
Whilst sloting Forests did together rin,  
Which Neptune, Mars, and AEolus made shake,  
The Bellies (big with Men) abortive burst,  
By thundering Engines violated first.   

61  
When this Encounter had made many smart,  
A stately meeting, terrible to think,  
Ships without Kindness kissed, yet loath to part,  
Stood struggling long which should the other sink,  
Till some oft pierced, and past all Hope of Art,  
For Poison last [as desperate] Floods did drink,  
And that none might their conquered Ensigns claim,  
Slipped under Seas as if to hide their Shame.   

62  
But haughty Romans stormed to be withstood,  
And used to conquer, marvelled to be matched,  
From Floods in vain some drinking back their Blood  
Half killed, half drowned, Death by two Darts dispatched,  
There where they fought whilst Bodies paved the Flood,  
Till empty first no wooden Cave was catched:  
O how that Life seems foul which blots Fame's Books,  
In Glories Glass whilst generous Courage looks.   

63  
Whilst Mars as yet a doubtful judge did prove,  
The barbarous Queen fled with Pelusian Slaves,  
Who lived in her, with her did strait remove,  
Not feared, no, not as who in Fevers reaves,  
He fled not Foes, but followed on his Love,  
For whom the Hope of all the World he leaves,  
Who vanquished Armies oft, a Woman foiled,  
Who all of All, him of himself she spoiled.   

64  
The Seas surrender at that dreadful Blast,  
Troops of all Lands which in their Depths did fall,  
Which Foes fell down, rise as in League at last,  
The Cause being common which doth join them all,  
Not only Ancients famous in Times past,  
But Turks and Christians thence, a voice doth call,  
Whom even when raging, raging Floods suppressed,  
That Waves might toss them still who would not rest.   

65  
What Turban Band abandons Thetis Bowers,  
By their Misfortune fortunate to Fame,  
Who by a ROYAL PENS Eternal Powers  
Reft back from Death, Breath whilst Men Breath doth claim?  
How those still Turks were baptised in few Hours,  
Where Azure Fields foamed forth a hoary Stream,  
This my GREAT PHOEBUS tuned to Trumpets Sounds,  
Whose stately Accents each strange Tongue rebounds.   

66  
Not only thus by barbarous Bands ou'rthrowne,  
Some whom CHRIST bought a floating Tomb confines,  
But by themselves (like Pagans spoiled) though known,  
In liquid Plains a Number Breath resigns,  
Whilst those who toil to make the World their own,  
Do with Devotion paint most damned Designs,  
That they when all things else have failed for Baits,  
May Superstition use to angle States.   

67  
When haughty Philip with this I'll in Love,  
Whose Rage to reign no Reason could appease,  
As oft by Fraud, it last by Force would prove,  
To barren Spain whose fertile Fields did please,  
He send huge Hulks which did like Mountains move,  
As Towns for Traffic, Palaces for Ease,  
And of all Sorts did furnish forth a Band,  
As if to People, not to win a Land.   

68  
To brave the Heavens whilst Giants would assay,  
The LORD their Power would wonderfully bounds,  
One little Bark their Navy did dismay,  
The mighty Man a Woman did confound,  
All Elements did arm their Course to stay,  
That Wicked Men might not pollute our Ground,  
For Pride disdained, for Cruelty abhorred,  
Spain begged (a Slave) where looking to be Lord,   

69  
O happy those for whom the Heavens will fight,  
Of Angel's Armies camp about them still,  
Whilst Hail and Thunder from heavens Storehouse light,  
Rush armed Winter's forth, stern Tempests kill,  
The stormy Winds conjured in Time charge right,  
As trained in War to spend their Power with Skill:  
Still to the Author Mischief doth return,  
And in the Fires they make the Wicked burn.   

70  
The tumid State a Number doth afford,  
Who only there could quench ambition's Fire,  
And Avarice with many hath it stored,  
Who only there could bond their waste Desire,  
Though of the Wealth of diverse Lands made Lord,  
Who by no Means Contentment could acquire  
Till (like themselves) still taking, filled with Nought,  
The Sea and Hell them to Abundance brought.   

71  
What fearful thoughts their quaking stomachs fling,  
When with each Wave a Wound Death seems to give?  
That so to charge do for a vantage strive,  
Save Lightnings whiles some sudden glances bring,  
Clouds masking Heaven over all do darkness drive,  
That whilst they nothing see, and too much hear,  
Fallen on the Depths Hells Shadow doth appear.   

72  
Some scaped such Storms whilst they secure remain,  
Whose cruel Covetice to render vain,  
They yield (as faint) till Foes toward them repair,  
Then Powder kindled by a linger train,  
They all at once are thundered through the Air,  
In Water burned, weak thralls kill Victors strong,  
And suffering act, revenge preventing wrong.   

73  
Thus by the Sea a number is bewrayed.  
Whose dying Eyes, a friend did never close,  
Not in their Fathers, no, in no tomb laid,  
Which had when dead no part where to repose,  
But are by Waves to every Rock betrayed,  
Till this last Day do of all Flesh dispose,  
Which as would seem most ready those may find,  
Whom Earth not burdens, Wynding-sheets not bind,   

74  
The Face of Earth like those a number yields,  
Who for last lodgings could not get a Grave,  
Yet where they fell, as having won the Fields,  
Them dead a time from all who lived did reave,  
Thrown in the Dust drawn from their bloody Shields,  
Whilst naked there, they what they clad did save,  
Till Beasts with some did run, with some Fowls fly,  
As Bodies first, Bones bare at last did lie.   

75  
The Blood of some did stain that golden age,  
To strike with Iron ere malice did invent,  
On Ruins Altar offering up to rage,  
Wrath wants not Weapons when for mischief bend.  
Then Indignation Mortals did assuage,  
With Stones, sharp Stings, and what by force was rend,  
From gored Bellies Puddings did gush out,  
And Heads with Brains were compassed about.   

76  
But when Man spud whilst venging wrong by chance,  
That Life was lodged in such a fortress frail,  
To Court Vainglory which to fools did glance,  
Some (as for Sport) their Neighbours did assail,  
Then last their State of purpose to advance,  
Strayed Valour would by violence prevail,  
All Armies first were by Ambition led,  
Till Avarice a greater fury bred.   

77  
Who first from Death by Deeds redeemed their Names,  
And eminent magnanimously grew,  
(Their fancies frying in ambitions Flames)  
They only Praise, not Profit did pursue,  
And, as for Glory who contend in games,  
Sought others to exceed, not to subdue,  
Such Scythia one another Egypt gave,  
From conguered Lands who did but Honour crave.   

78  
Those Weapons first were fond which pierced, or bruised,  
Ere dreadful Cyclops made their Hammers reel,  
Of Mars chief Minions Sword and Lance were used,  
Ere Men did march as Statues all of Steel,  
What fury in proud Minds this rage insused,  
That they would suffer to make others feel,  
And strive to further, ere to hinder ill,  
Then save themselves, more bend their Mates to kill.   

79  
What Mountains were of murdered Bodies made,  
Which till fallen dust, the dust did not receive,  
Of Ashur, Persia, Greeks, and Romans dead,  
Who whilst that they more Earth, them Earth would have,  
Whilst of the World each striving to be Head,  
Those Members maimed which it to rule did crave?  
Then though all Lands one only did adore,  
As penned in too strict bounds whilst one sought more.   

80  
Of Bones unburied what huge Heaps were reared,  
By Teutons, Cimbers, Gauls, great by doing harms,  
By Vandals, Allam, Huns, and Goths long feared,  
Danes, Longobards, and Saracens in swarms?  
For which long time those Fields could not be eared,  
Where they to death had offered up their Arms,  
Whilst where to am, to win more Lands being set,  
Where they might die, they only Land could get?   

81  
Then Nature strong as in her perfit Age,  
As Bees their Swarms Lands Colonies sent forth,  
Which forced by wants, else moved by generous Rage,  
In Tempests huge inunded from the North,  
Else that high Hopes dreamed Richesses might assuage.  
They sought the South as held of greatest worth,  
To what it pleased whilst Power a right did claim,  
Oft with their Dwellers Countries changed the Name.   

82  
That Heathenish Host by Juda so abhorred,  
Whose Captains railing Vengeance to contrive,  
A godly King did spread before the Lord,  
Whose Wrong his Soul did most of peace deprive,  
Till that an Angel with just Wrath being stored,  
Did kill of thousands thrice threescore and five,  
Those who blaspheming GOD by him were slain,  
Must rise with fear to look on GOD again,   

83  
Thence thousands rise with Strangers, or their own,  
Where still to Broils the Grecians were inclined,  
Where all the World at Fortune's Dice was thrown,  
Twixt Sir and Son in Law not love combined,  
By virtues Clients fall which Fields were known,  
Of all, who only the Scates good designed,  
None Virtue should adore, all reverence must,  
Men should delight in it, not in it trust.   

84  
Thence (never buried) many Body springs,  
Where of all Lands oft Armies did contend,  
Slave by the Senate, Emperors, or Kings,  
But most by Him who did to Carthage send,  
[Reft from Rome's Nobleses] Bushels full of Rings,  
And by Barbarians Lord s of all in end,  
Thus Italy all Nations did obey,  
And to all Nations was exposed a prey.   

85  
That Field yields thousands, where Wrong squaring Right,  
(For famous Captains twice a fatal Stage)  
Great Pompey did with Mithridates' fight,  
And Tamberlane the Terror of that age,  
On lightning Bajazet did thundering light,  
Tamed for a Footstool in an Iron Cage:  
Thus that great Monarch was made worse than thrall,  
Pride hated stands, and doth unpitied fall.   

86  
All then must march at this last Trumpets sound,  
Who Fields entombed, damned Floods, and Ditches filled,  
Whilst Ottoman to make his Crescent round,  
Blood (as but Water) prodigally spilled,  
His Bassas dashed, rise groaning from the Ground,  
Which oft by him, or else for him were killed,  
And as for Bondage borne (free but from Graves)  
Did live to him, and died to Satan Slaves,   

87  
By Violence Death diverse did surprise,  
Still since the World first peopled did remain,  
But Men in Mischief fond grown more wise,  
By Bolts unseen some more of late are slain,  
Since some new Sulmons, no, Devils did devise,  
Those Sulphurous Engines bragging GOD again,  
Which Men, yea Towers, and Towns in Pieces tear,  
Then Thunder now, Men more the Canon fear.   

88  
Those soon start up which fell whilst as less strong,  
By Vulcan forced succumbing Thetis roared,  
And thundering forth the Horror of her Wrong,  
The Burden urged strait in Disdain restored,  
The airy Region raging all a long,  
Which Death to them did suddenly afford,  
And by a Blow most strange, no scar being found,  
The Bones all broken, and the Flesh still sound,   

89  
Those whom of Earth the Superfice as forced,  
Did bear, not bury, suffer, not receive,  
By men even dead [as oft alive] extorced,  
To Avarice, else Cruelty still Slave,  
Those shall from Dust no sooner be divorced,  
Then they who sought the Centre for a Grave,  
Whose Bodies with their Souls did seem to strive,  
Which first at Hell should with most Haste arrive.   

90  
The mutinous Hebrews who 'gainst him repined,  
Whose Face (as glorious Rays reflecting still)  
Comed from the Thunderer like clear Lightning shined,  
GOD'S Secretary who first penned his Will,  
As soon as they whose Dust no Weight confined,  
They rise whom Earth did bury first, then kill.  
To offer bend (Pride burning in their Breasts)  
As like Himself whom Pluto took for Priests.   

91  
That scorned Diviner is with them exposed,  
[Fools who foreknow, not for their Fate provide]  
Who by his Wife when lurking was disclosed,  
And whom at last Earth did as strangely hide.  
And that the Cave which burned might so be closed,  
He as Rome's Best who under Ground did ride,  
There greedy to do good, or to get Fame,  
That where his Body died, might live his Name.   

92  
Some Fever strange when Surfeits seem to move,  
Those of the Earth who in the Entrails dwell,  
Whilst it [though trembling] raging, seems to prove,  
If it may drink the World, and spew forth Hell,  
They from the Dust as quickly shall remove  
As those by Powder who in Powder fell,  
By Tyrant's fierce being pined, no, freed from Pain,  
Who fallen on Earth, or tossed through Air remain.   

93  
Now Orpheus shall not need, (as Poets feign,)  
To charm the Furies with harmonious Sounds,  
Nor Hercules by Violence, in vain  
To force the Dungeons of the shadowy Bounds,  
The Guests below shall once turn back again,  
To see what they have lost, superior Rounds,  
The Prince of Darkness will be pleased with this,  
Since sure to have them judged for ever his,   

94  
The Earth her Entrails quickly shall discharge,  
That GOD all who had Souls at once may see,  
His Prisoners at last Death must enlarge,  
At that Great jubilee all once set free,  
Who were so long in passing Charon's Barge,  
Some from oblivions Flood brought back shall be,  
Ere Cerberus can bark, all shall be gone,  
And ere they can be missed turned every one.   

95  
Those whom soft Egypt always Slave to Lust,  
By Spices, Ointment, Baumes, and Odours rare,  
To scorn Corruption, and to mock the Dust,  
Did keep (when lost) with a ridiculous Care,  
And used as Pledges whiles to purchase Trust,  
Their Bones, worth Nought when clad, worth less when bare,  
Their Veils renewed no sooner they resume,  
Than whom at first Corruption did consume.   

96  
Those Pyramids whose Points seemed (threatening Heaven)  
Not solitary Tombs, but courted Thrones,  
The huge Mausoleum one of Wonders seven,  
That Obeliske which graced Augustus' Bones,  
Late Monuments those emulous to Even,  
Of Marber, Porphyr, jasp, and precious Stones,  
None hides his Guest from this great judges Sight,  
Nor yet him sends more gorgeous to the Light.   

97  
Of Place the Distance distant Time not breeds,  
Some who one Field empurple by their Fall,  
Whose Entrails strait another Mansion needs,  
Lest else Corruption might encroach on all,  
Their Body's Friends (as whiles for Pomp succeeds)  
Not seem, (far borne) to bury, but install,  
But though each Part a several Kingdom takes,  
A sudden Union now one Moment makes.   

98  
That Dreame-diviner by two Tribes called Sire,  
Though by them lost who did his Brethren save,  
His Dust from Goshen quickly shall retire,  
And with the Rest a second Hymen have,  
Where he when dead as Faith did first inspire,  
Where His might live, Possession did receive,  
Or since by Him so benefited once,  
That Land ingrate to frustrate of his Bones,   

99  
The third Time than some live, from Tombs raised twice,  
(Their Resurrection represented else)  
Whom Death (it seemed) did but a while disguise,  
For acting Wonders which Amazement tells,  
When waked by Force, as who did drowsy rise,  
They drawn from Lethe, or oblivions Cells,  
Strait with the Place all Privilege did leave,  
Made as who dreamed, or in high Fevers reave.   

100  
Till soared from hence where they so long have strived.  
Still charged with Flesh all Souls infirm remain,  
And with their Burdens those who were reviv'd,  
Their former Frailties did resume again,  
So that unknowing where a while they lived,  
Maimed Memory was bounded by the Brain,  
Through earthly Organs Spectacles impure,  
Souls reach but Objects such as they procure.   

101  
Some fond curious would have then inquired,  
What Lodgings last those Both-world-guests did leave,  
Which (if remembered) reverenced, and admired,  
They would not wrong by Words what none conceive,  
Great Paul (whose self could not tell how) retired,  
Whom the third Heaven (when ravished) did receive,  
He what he saw returned could not relate,  
Past Mortals Senses, to Immortals great.   

102  
Such Souls when last to their first Tents turned back,  
Their Toils thereby, and others Glory grew,  
Whilst to the World that Way GOD clear would make,  
That Faith [when firm] might Death itself subdue,  
But then they Flesh as when first left did take,  
Which now at last the LORD will all renew,  
Their Resurrection when no Time confines,  
Whilst raised, ripe Fruits, of what they first were Signs.   

103  
Thus the great Tisbit strangely did restore,  
[That none might trouble have who gave him rest]  
Her Son whose Victuals did when waste, wax more,  
Like to the like when in like State distressed,  
That Prophet did who craved his Spirit in store,  
Not to be pressed by such a second guest,  
Whose Grave waked one, that there he might not sleep,  
Where he (when dead) a quickening power did keep.   

104  
The blessed Bethanian highly shall rejoice,  
When next he calls who showed such tender love,  
As even to weep for him, as a chief choice,  
Till he was brought free from white bands above,  
The first who in the grave did hear that Voice,  
Which from all Graves must make their guests remove,  
And greater Power when glorified may show,  
Then from frail Flesh when but breathed forth below.   

105  
Those soon start up who quickly come to Light,  
As to applaud what was accomplished known,  
CHRIST'S acting sufferings (when most low) at height,  
That the last part on this World's Stage was shown,  
Else to upbraid as a prodigious sight,  
Them who did haste what bent to have overthrown,  
And others all thus raised more glad do rise,  
Of Souls birth once, then of their Bodies thrice,   

106  
There come those two, from whence no Flesh can know,  
Yet not more soon than whom frail Eyes saw dead,  
Of which as Types one to each World did show,  
That Mortals might be strait Immortal made,  
Gross Bodies mount, and some Death not overthrow,  
A Labyrinth whence Nature none can lead,  
In most evil times most good, to be marked so,  
Those did from hence man's common Way not go.   

107  
That godly man by GOD judged Just to be,  
Translated was that he might not see Death,  
Being Death to him his LORD despised to see,  
Whilst poisoned with vile men's blasphemous Breath,  
Or else at last from Pangs and Horrors free,  
He privileged from all the signs of Wrath,  
Did part, not die, from Sin, not Life estranged.  
Souls must remove, else have their lodging changed.   

108  
Whilst him save GOD who ought disdained to fear.  
Vile Baal's Scourge, of Kings who scorned the Ire,  
With flaming Steeds a burning Coach did bear,  
The Wind being Wagoner, an Angel Squire,  
betwixt this gross Globe and the celestial Sphere,  
Zeal did triumph even as it fought with Fire,  
That Heaven and Earth both might his Glory know,  
As erst his Toils when but contemned below.   

109  
As where he live, or lies, to turn or stay,  
To dispute easy is, hard to conclude,  
The LORD perchance committed him to Clay,  
As one with whom He on Mount Tabor stood,  
Else not dissolved▪ but changed when borne away,  
And (some think) kept apart yet to do good,  
For without all no Saints perfected be,  
The Maide-borne-bodie so Heavens only see,   

110  
A loud Alarm still doubling from above,  
[The Word Eternal may make Breath abound]  
All this vast Circuit doth a Trumpet prove,  
Whose Concave wastes not, but maintains the sound,  
At the first blast nought else save it did move,  
As dreary Silence had prepared the ground,  
But till all Ears be filled, it higher swells,  
A horrid Echo roaring from the Hells.   

111  
Those guilty Souls what further comfort shields,  
From sleep whose Conscience with the Body stars,  
Then when they see (as Grass) over all the fields,  
Men grow about them? O what frozen Hearts!  
Earth laboured long a Monstrous Harvest yields,  
Which strait heavens Husband, lo grinds sifts, and parts,  
Who can but think how such endure this sight?  
And yet what they attend makes it seem light.   

112  
He who them hates that he should others grace,  
Both Grief and Envy tortures them at once,  
Of two who rest companions in one place,  
One pleased doth joy the other desperate moves,  
One parts as pointed for Eternal Peace,  
The other signed for pain, stays, howls and groans,  
Thus of the Godlies' good the first degree  
Is, from the wicked that they parted be.   

113  
Those Creatures who still sound did never fall,  
That fatal Summons do no sooner hear,  
Then those whom it forth from the Dust doth call  
Where they had slept even many a hundredth year,  
Souls lodgings thus which had been ruined all,  
Strait builded then first perfect do appear,  
The Just they first, the Reprobat last move,  
Which bide below whilst others fly above.   

114  
Those Temples then which not dissolved still stay,  
(A Mystery difficult to conceive)  
All debt of death not dying shall defray,  
The other life being com'de, ere this them leave,  
The Bodies then (all frailty burned away)  
Being quintessenced, new qualities receive,  
Which though still quick, yet in their Sins being dead,  
Ere mortal proved, shall be Immortal made.   

115  
If oft to gaze a multitude remains,  
To hold his Court whilst it some Prince attends,  
Who still being met with many stately Trains,  
Doth make a Musters of imagined friends,  
(As by small Brooks a Flood swollen when it rains)  
Till that on him it seems the World depends,  
That Pomp to all a reverent awe imparts,  
And strikes with Terror Malefactors Hearts.   

116  
Think with what glory CHRIST must wondering won,  
Whilst thundering Terror, and yet lightning Grace,  
He might come clad with Stars, crowned with the Sun,  
But to his brightness such [as base] give place,  
His court at first of heavenly Hosts begun,  
From hence enlarged is in a little space,  
O what strange noise doth all the World rebound,  
Whilst Angels sing, Saint's shout, and Trumpets sound!   

117  
My ravished Soul transcending Reasons reach,  
So earnest is to surfeit on this sight,  
That it disdains what may high thoughts impeach,  
Whilst mounting up to Contemplation's height,  
Which flight so far doth pass the power of speech,  
That only Silence can pursue it right,  
And that my Spirit may be refreshed that way,  
It must a space amidst dumb Pleasures stray.   
FINIS.